Latest, German striker Denis Undav, who is in excellent form, recently gave an interview to FIFA.com.

Germany got off to a strong start in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, securing 6 points from their first two group-stage matches. In their opening match, they defeated Curaçao 7-1, and in the second match, they came from behind to beat Ivory Coast 2-1. With back-to-back victories, Germany topped their group and advanced to the knockout round.

Undav played a crucial role in the team's hot form. He came off the bench in both matches and contributed 3 goals and 2 assists. Notably, in the match against Ivory Coast, he scored twice, including the winning goal during injury time, helping Germany secure victory and earning him Man of the Match. His performance quickly made him the focus of football fans worldwide.

However, Undav's success did not happen overnight. In his interview with FIFA, he reflected on his challenging childhood.

"I Used to Work in a Factory While Playing Football"

FIFA: When you started playing football, you were also working in a factory. Looking back on that experience, how do you assess your journey?

Undav: That experience was very difficult, but I have to admit it was also interesting because I experienced life from many different angles. At the time, I didn't feel pain because I genuinely enjoyed life. I woke up at 4 a.m. every day, took a 40-minute bus ride, and then walked for 40 minutes to the industrial zone to go to work. After work ended at 2:30 p.m., I went to training the same way. After training, I'd eat something and prepare my equipment for the next session. Usually, I wouldn't get home before 10:30 p.m., and I lived like this for about two years.

FIFA: What drove you to keep going?

Undav: Football has always been the heart of my life. I've played football since I was a child, and I found it incredibly enjoyable. So I wanted to keep playing. Eventually, I decided to focus entirely on football, and since then, there's been no turning back. I just wanted to keep playing.

Those days, although they sound exhausting, weren't actually that painful when I was young. Looking back now, of course it seems difficult, but at the time I was full of energy because I truly loved football.

FIFA: Did you ever think back then that you could become a professional footballer, or even represent Germany in a World Cup?

Undav: Honestly, I never thought about it. My dreams weren't that big. I just thought if I could play for another 14 or 15 years, that would be great. I didn't think about moving up to higher leagues—I just hoped to find a team that paid a bit better.

At first, I thought I'd always work and play semi-professional football at the same time. But then I went to Braunschweig, and even though I got injured, I stayed committed. That's when I started thinking maybe I should try for the senior team because I was scoring a lot with the reserves. But in football, young players often don't get much trust during difficult times. After that, an invitation from SV Meppen in the third tier became a turning point in my career, allowing me to quit my job and focus on playing in the 3. Liga.

"Contributing 5 Goals in the World Cup in Less Than 60 Minutes—It Feels Like a Dream"

In this World Cup, Undav has directly contributed to 5 goals in less than 60 minutes of playing time.

FIFA: What does that feel like?

Undav: It feels like a dream. I've always scored goals, but never on a stage like this. Everyone has been talking about me since the match against Ivory Coast. The truth is, I've been overlooked for most of my career. I was never a particularly famous player, but now I'm enjoying everything and will try to maintain this form.

FIFA: What are your strengths? Do you train specifically for these runs and goals?

Undav: Honestly, it comes naturally to me. I don't need to overthink things on the pitch. I have a deep understanding of football and can anticipate situations faster than my opponents.

I can say without doubt that I was born to score.

"We Can Go Far, But Everyone Must Give 100%"

FIFA: What are the team's goals going forward?

Undav: The upcoming matches will be just as difficult as the one against Ivory Coast, and we need the contribution of every player. We've prepared well for both matches. No matter who we face, there will always be challenging moments in the game, but we can handle all of them.

We need to maintain a positive attitude and believe in ourselves. Every player must give 100% so we know we've left everything on the pitch. I believe we can go very far.

FIFA: Are you willing to be a substitute?

Undav: As a player, of course you want to start every game, but this role suits me right now. I've proven I can score goals and I belong on this stage. I can contribute whether I'm starting or coming off the bench. Fortunately, I can adapt to both situations. Right now, as soon as I get on the pitch, I can get into the game immediately, and that's a good feeling.

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