Deniz Undav has been making the net bulge for quite some time now. After scoring 19 goals in the 2025/26 Bundesliga season, which saw him finish second overall, the 29-year-old has carried this form into the World Cup. He has already scored three times for Germany at the tournament, with two assists into the bargain. Those five goal involvements have come in just 56 minutes of action, which is a new World Cup record. Ahead of his country’s third group game against Ecuador on Thursday 25 June 2026, (kick-off 22:00 CEST), he spoke to the media at an official FIFA press conference.
Deniz Undav on…
… his role for Germany: “We spoke about our various roles and it’s all fine as far as I’m concerned. I contribute, whether it’s in the starting XI or from the bench. The most important thing for me is that the team wins and we go as far as possible. I’ve come on twice as a substitute and my performances have helped us to a pair of victories, and I’m obviously really pleased with that. I’m just trying to do my job to the best of my abilities.”
… seeing his name currently among the top five goalscorers at the World Cup: “It’s a real honour for me to be as high as I am at the moment in that list. I’m in exceptional company, and my favourite among them is Lionel Messi – I enjoy watching him play. What he does with the ball is exceptional, not least because he’s 39 years old.”
… the hype surrounding him and what that means in terms of being a role model: “I’m proud to set an example for kids and youngsters and to play my part in them wanting to get into football. It’s a wonderful thing. I am the way I am, and I don’t pretend to be something I’m not.”
