KHIRBET AL-GHAZAL, Syria (AP) – Deniz Undav, a standout player in the ongoing World Cup, is making waves as a representative of Germany, a soccer powerhouse. The 29-year-old striker, with roots in the Yazidi and Kurdish communities, embodies the hopes of two groups that currently lack their own World Cup teams. Despite the challenges faced by these communities, Undav has emerged as a beacon of inspiration on the global sports stage.

Coming off the bench for Germany, Undav has already scored three goals and assisted in two more, placing him closely behind soccer legends like Argentina's Lionel Messi, France's Kylian Mbappé, and Brazil's Vinicius Jr. in the tournament's scoring leaderboard. Identifying as a Kurdish Yazidi and being the son of Yazidi refugees, Undav's achievements are celebrated by a small community that has experienced significant oppression and violence throughout history, particularly during the 2014 Islamic State onslaught in Iraq's Sinjar region that resulted in countless deaths and abductions.

In a recent news conference, Undav expressed his hope that his performance would empower fans worldwide, particularly within his Yazidi community. "I always get the news from my parents about how they see me, and it makes me proud that we finally have somebody," he stated. His success has sparked celebrations in Khirbet al-Ghazal, a village in northeastern Syria, where a small group of Yazidis gathered to watch Germany's match against Ecuador, many of whom are related to Undav's mother.

Community leader Ismail Dalaf conveyed that Undav's rise in the sport symbolizes the potential for Yazidis to achieve respect and recognition. "When people see a Yazidi entering the field and scoring goals, it changes public perception," he said. "It tells the world that Yazidis have a role in the world." With approximately 30 million Kurds as the largest stateless ethnic group, primarily across Turkey, Iraq, Iran, and Syria, and around 235,000 Yazidis residing in Germany today, there is a shared sentiment of pride and hope among these communities.

Irfan Ortac, chair of the Central Council of Yazidis in Germany, noted that discussions about Yazidis have historically revolved around their experiences as victims of violence. "We have been known as victims of violence, but now we have something positive to discuss," he said. This sentiment resonates deeply within the Yazidi community in Iraq, where members celebrate Undav’s achievements. Luqman Sleiman, spokesperson for the Lalish temple, remarked, "It makes me very happy to see a Yazidi bringing our name to the World Cup and playing in front of the whole world."

Even amid his success, Undav has faced prejudice due to his heritage, both in person and online. During a match in Turkey, he was subjected to taunts regarding his mother, with groups highlighting an increase in racist and ethnically motivated hostility. Furthermore, his choice to represent Germany instead of Turkey has led to resentment from some Turkish fans, but his popularity continues to grow.

Düzen Tekkal, a German documentary filmmaker of Kurdish Yazidi descent, emphasized the "Deniz Undav effect," noting his ability to inspire children of diverse backgrounds to celebrate their heritage and feel a sense of belonging in Germany. "People are asking how can he cope with so much pressure? Because he doesn’t know it any other way," she remarked, reinforcing the narrative of resilience within Undav's journey.

Undav's joy in the game was evident when he scored against Curacao, breaking into a Yazidi-inspired jig that symbolizes his cultural heritage. Mahmoud Kanabi, a Kurd from Irbil now living in Berlin, expressed his newfound connection to the German national team as a result of Undav’s accomplishments, highlighting the absence of a national team for Kurds, and underscoring the pride felt within the community.

As Undav continues to shine on the world stage, he symbolizes hope and resilience for his families and communities across the globe, uniting them in pride and celebration.