Sport: Soccer Country: Germany Category: Scores & Results

Deniz Undav shines for Germany, boosting Yazidi and Kurdish pride

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 26, 2026, 4:43 PM

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Deniz Undav shines for Germany, boosting Yazidi and Kurdish pride

Summary

Deniz Undav, representing Germany in the World Cup, has scored three goals and assisted two more after coming on as a substitute. This performance highlights his Kurdish Yazidi heritage, as he connects with his community celebrating his success. His achievements come in the wake of the Yazidi community's struggles, especially following the 2014 attacks by ISIS. Undav hopes to inspire others, and communities in Syria and Iraq are proud to see one of their own on such a prominent stage. His performance has changed narratives and offers a positive representation for Yazidis, traditionally seen mainly as victims of violence.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Undav scores three goals and assists two in the World Cup.
•He identifies as a Kurdish Yazidi, son of Yazidi refugees.
•His performance resonates with Yazidis in Syria, Iraq, and Germany.
•Undav's success aims to inspire the Yazidi community globally.
•Communities celebrate his achievements as cultural representation.

Latest Updates

4:43 PMYahoo Sports — Deniz Undav’s World Cup success for Germany lifts Yazidi and Kurdish pride

What they're saying

"
KHIRBET AL-GHAZAL, Syria (AP) — Deniz Undav, one of the surprise stars of this World Cup, is playing for powerhouse Germany. After entering as a substitute for Germany, Undav scored three goals and set up two more, putting him just behind top-scoring superstars such as Argentina’s Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé of France and Vinicius Jr. of Brazil on the leaderboard. Undav, who identifies as a Kurdish Yazidi, is the son of Yazidi refugees.
— Yahoo Sportsby HOGIR AL ABDO, STELLA MARTANY, CIARAN FAHEY and JAMES ELLINGWORTH

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