At 4 a.m., while most of Germany still slept, Deniz Undav was already at the factory, operating a laser machine before rushing to training—just another day in the life of a man now lighting up the World Cup. Once told he was too small to make it, Undav has become too big to ignore, scoring twice in Germany’s 2-1 comeback win over Ivory Coast to secure their place in the knockout stages—their first since winning the tournament in 2014. With three goals and two assists in just two substitute appearances, Undav now shares the record for most goal involvements by a sub at a single World Cup since 1966, matching Cameroon’s legendary Roger Milla in 1990. His journey—from being cut by Werder Bremen at 14 to earning £120 a week while working full-time in a factory—makes his rise all the more extraordinary. At 17, he left home to join fourth-tier Havelse, surviving on little sleep and even less money, knowing football alone wouldn’t pay the bills. Yet he never stopped believing. His 25-goal season with Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium earned a move to Brighton, though he struggled in England, scoring just five times in 22 Premier League games. A loan to Stuttgart changed everything. In the 2025–26 Bundesliga season, he netted 19 goals—finishing second only to Harry Kane—to earn his World Cup call-up. Now, with nine goals in 11 international appearances, he’s not just a squad player—he’s a game-changer. Manager Julian Nagelsmann, who once questioned Undav’s public ambition for a starting role, now praises his impact: “Why should I ruin his flow? He came in twice and got goals twice.” Undav’s double against Ivory Coast also made him the first German to score in his first two World Cup appearances since Miroslav Klose in 2002—a sign he’s joining elite company. Even in defeat, there’s triumph: after being benched for Germany’s opening wins, he’s forced his way into the conversation as a starter. “Deniz doesn’t need to be prepared, he can jump in right away,” Nagelsmann said. And when he does, he delivers. After collecting player-of-the-match honors against Ivory Coast, Undav said, “It’s wonderful, a fantastic feeling.” But the feeling isn’t just personal—it’s spreading across a nation that once doubted him, now dreaming big again. If he keeps this up, the ultimate prize might not be so far out of reach.