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Former Premier League striker Deniz Undav has spoken candidly about a frightening health battle that almost claimed his life on two separate occasions. The ex-Brighton & Hove Albion forward, now shining for Stuttgart and the Germany national team, revealed alarming details of a severe allergic reaction that left him struggling to breathe.

A frightening brush with death

Undav has made a startling personal disclosure about his health, admitting he has come perilously close to dying because of a serious food allergy. The 30-year-old attacker, who had a spell in the Premier League with Brighton & Hove Albion before returning to the Bundesliga, said seafood has been a life-threatening danger for him throughout his adult life.

Speaking during a recent podcast appearance, as reported by The Sun, the Germany international was asked about his food preferences and whether he liked sushi. Undav was quick to explain that although he does enjoy some kinds, he has to be extremely careful. “Yes, but only with salmon or vegetarian. Because I can’t eat shrimp. I’ve had an allergic reaction twice; I almost died both times.”

The physical toll of the reaction

The Stuttgart star then gave graphic details of what happens to his body when he accidentally eats shellfish. Undav confirmed that his allergy is not limited to shrimp, but also covers a broad range of seafood, including lobster and mussels. The symptoms strike immediately and are extremely dangerous, creating a constant risk for the professional footballer if he is not careful about what he eats.

Explaining the terrifying feeling of an anaphylactic reaction, Undav described the physical impact of the allergy. The forward added: “Everything swells up, and I can’t breathe. I’d never even heard of that before.”

Life in Stuttgart and routine

Since returning to Germany, Undav has found a sense of calm and stability that has helped his form reach another level. He often enjoys a quiet routine with his wife, Tanja, making sure his diet stays safe and carefully managed. The Bundesliga goal machine added: “When we play internationally, we usually train in the afternoon. Then, between ten and twelve o’clock, I go to Stuttgart’s city centre with my wife.”

Striking the right balance between his professional responsibilities and personal life has been central to his success on the pitch. The former Brighton man appreciates the city’s calm during his downtime, away from the intense pressure of the stadium. He said: “It’s quiet and you can have some peace and quiet. We eat together, for example, avocado toast with salmon.”

Success on the international stage

Undav’s health scares have certainly not halted his progress on the field. After joining Brighton from Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise in 2022, the 5ft 10in forward found it difficult to cement his place at the Amex Stadium, scoring eight goals in 30 appearances. However, after moving to Stuttgart on loan the following year, he made an immediate impact and secured a permanent transfer in 2024. Since then, he has emerged as a standout performer for the German club, amassing 57 goals and 30 assists in 117 appearances.

That outstanding club form has also carried over to the international stage with Die Mannschaft. Undav has scored nine goals in 13 caps so far, including three at this summer’s World Cup. He found the net in his team’s rout of Curacao before adding another two against Ivory Coast, but he was unable to stop his side from being eliminated on penalties by Paraguay in the round of 32.