Renowned Kurdish-German football player, Deniz Undav has made it clear that his preference is to play for Germany if given the opportunity, despite being approached by the Turkish Football Federation. Undav is currently the most efficient German striker in the Bundesliga with eight goals in 10 matches, averaging a goal every 68 minutes.
In a recent interview with Sky, Undav disclosed details of a telephone conversation with the German national coach, Julian Nagelsmann. “Unity, justice and freedom. I told him that,” said Undav, emphasising his dual eligibility to play for either Germany or Turkey’s national team.
The decision follows an assurance from Nagelsmann, who attended a match at the Stuttgart stadium, promising Undav an invitation to the start of the 2024 European Championship.
Some reports from Turkish and Kurdish media networks suggest that Undav’s rejection of the Turkish national team may be rooted in his Kurdish identity. Turkish journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu had previously shared information about a meeting between Turkish national team officials and Undav, raising questions about the player’s motivations.
When questioned about Undav’s absence from the national team, Hamit Altıntop, a Turkey Football Federation (TFF) official, cryptically responded, “He is not in the national team due to off-field reasons”, further fuelling speculation.
Undav, born on 19 July 1996, in Achim, Germany, to a Kurdish family from Şanlıurfa (Riha), initiated his football journey in the TSV Achim youth system. Currently on loan to Stuttgart with an option to buy, Undav’s remarkable performance this season has heightened expectations for his potential inclusion in the German national team.
