PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dennis-Yerai Eckert Ayensa (registered as Dennis Dargahi for Iran) |
| Date of Birth | 09/01/1997 (Age: 29) |
| Place of Birth | Bonn, Germany |
| Nationality | German / Iranian / Spanish |
| Height | 1.83 m / 6 ft 0 in |
| Weight | 79 kg |
| Position | Forward / Striker |
| Preferred Foot | Not publicly available |
| Squad Number | #10 (Standard Liège) |
| Current Club | Gençlerbirliği SK (per August 2026 transfer) |
| Previous Clubs | Borussia Mönchengladbach II, Celta Vigo, Excelsior, FC Ingolstadt 04, Union Saint-Gilloise, Standard Liège |
| International Caps | 0 (World Cup squad member) |
| International Goals | 0 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 (squad member) |
| Contract Until | 2028 (with Standard; transfer to Gençlerbirliği in progress) |
| Market Value | €2.0M |
The Frozen Moment
May 2026. The FIFA World Cup. Iran, a nation navigating immense political tensions, had made a decision that would reshape their squad days before the tournament. Sardar Azmoun, the team’s star striker, was dropped from the squad for political reasons. In his place, Iran’s football federation turned to an unexpected replacement: a German-born forward who had once played for Germany’s U19 national team.
Dennis Eckert Ayensa, the 29-year-old from Bonn with Iranian heritage through his father, received the call that would change his life. Within days, he had received FIFA clearance, adopted his grandfather’s surname—Dargahi—and was on a plane to Turkey to join Iran’s World Cup training camp.
The boy who had been born in Bonn to a German father of Persian descent and a Spanish mother, whose Tante Anahita Dargahi was a renowned Iranian actress, was now preparing to represent his paternal homeland on football’s greatest stage. The former German U19 international who had never been called up by Germany or Spain had finally found his international home.
Origins
Born on January 9, 1997, in Bonn, Germany, Dennis-Yerai Eckert Ayensa grew up in a multicultural environment. His German father has Persian ancestry, while his mother is Spanish, connecting him to Galicia through her side. His paternal grandfather’s surname, Dargahi, would later become his registered name when representing Iran.
His family connection to Iran is further strengthened by his aunt, Anahita Dargahi, a well-known Iranian actress. This familial link to Iranian culture and heritage would ultimately play a decisive role in his international career.
Eckert’s football journey began in Germany, where he progressed through the youth ranks of Borussia Mönchengladbach. He represented Germany at U19 level, making one start in a 1-0 victory over Lithuania in November 2015, though it remained his only appearance for the DFB.
The European Forge
Borussia Mönchengladbach II (2015-2017):
Eckert began his senior career with Borussia Mönchengladbach’s reserve side, making limited appearances in the Regionalliga West. His potential was evident, but opportunities at the senior level were limited in Germany.
Celta Vigo (2017-2019):
Eckert moved to Spain, joining Celta Vigo’s B team in the Segunda División B. His performances for Celta B—48 appearances and 9 goals—earned him a promotion to the first team. He made 9 La Liga appearances for the Galician club, playing 213 minutes in Spain’s top flight.
Loan to Excelsior (2018-2019):
A loan move to Dutch Eredivisie side Excelsior followed, where he made 12 appearances and scored 2 goals. His time in the Netherlands added another dimension to his European experience.
FC Ingolstadt 04 (2019-2022):
Eckert’s most productive spell came at FC Ingolstadt. Over three seasons, he made 83 appearances and scored 26 goals across all competitions. In the 2019-20 season, he scored 14 goals in 30 appearances in the 3. Liga, and in 2021-22, he played 24 matches in the 2. Bundesliga. He helped Ingolstadt reach the 2. Bundesliga relegation play-offs in 2020 and 2021.
Union Saint-Gilloise (2022-2024):
In 2022, Eckert moved to Belgium, joining Union Saint-Gilloise. Over two seasons at the Brussels club, he made 65 appearances and scored 14 goals. His time at Union included European football, with appearances in the Champions League and Europa League.
The Belgian and International Breakthrough
Standard Liège (2024-2026):
In September 2024, Eckert joined Standard Liège, initially on loan from Union SG. Standard exercised their purchase option in March 2025, securing his services until 2028. He made 75 appearances for Standard across all competitions, scoring 17 goals and providing 3 assists.
In the 2025/26 season, Eckert scored 5 league goals for Standard. He began the 2026/27 season as a regular starter, scoring 2 goals in the opening three matches, including a brace against Cercle Brugge.
The World Cup Call-Up:
On March 10, 2026, Eckert was called up to Iran’s training camp, pending FIFA clearance. In May 2026, following Sardar Azmoun’s politically motivated withdrawal from the squad, Eckert was officially named to Iran’s 26-man World Cup squad.
He became the fifth German-born player with Iranian heritage to represent Iran, following Ferydoon Zandi, Amir Shapourzadeh, Daniel Davari, and Ashkan Dejagah. For the tournament, he was officially registered under the name Dennis Dargahi.
The Anatomy of His Game
Dennis Eckert is a forward known for his versatility, finishing ability, and physical presence. At 183 cm, he possesses a well-rounded profile for a modern striker.
In Possession:
Eckert’s goal-scoring record across his career—over 50 goals in more than 200 professional appearances—demonstrates his ability to find the net. His most productive seasons came at Ingolstadt (26 goals in 83 appearances) and Standard Liège (17 goals in 75 appearances). In the 2025/26 season, he scored 5 league goals for Standard.
Out of Possession:
Eckert is a hard-working forward who contributes to defensive phases. His experience across multiple leagues and tactical systems has made him adaptable to different playing styles.
Psychological Edge:
Eckert’s career demonstrates remarkable adaptability. From Germany to Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, and now Turkey, he has embraced new challenges at every turn. His decision to represent Iran, despite having played for Germany’s U19s, reflects a desire to honour his heritage and seize the opportunity of a lifetime.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot – 2025/26 Season
| Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belgian Pro League (Standard) | 27 | 5 | — | — |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | — | — | — | — |
| TOTAL | 27 | 5 | — | — |
TABLE B: Career Overview
| Season(s) | Club | League/Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-2017 | Borussia Mönchengladbach II | Regionalliga West | 4 | 0 |
| 2017-2019 | Celta B / Celta Vigo | Segunda B / La Liga | 58 | 9 |
| 2018-2019 | Excelsior (loan) | Eredivisie | 12 | 2 |
| 2019-2022 | FC Ingolstadt 04 | 3. Liga / 2. Bundesliga | 83 | 26 |
| 2022-2024 | Union Saint-Gilloise | Belgian Pro League | 65 | 14 |
| 2024-2026 | Standard Liège | Belgian Pro League | 75 | 17 |
| TOTAL | — | — | 297+ | 68 |
TABLE C: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | — | — | Squad Member |
| Germany U19 | 1 | 0 | — |
| Iran Senior Career | 0 | 0 | — |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Germany U19 Debut | vs Lithuania |
| 2018 | La Liga Debut | Celta Vigo |
| 2019 | FC Ingolstadt Transfer | Breakthrough season (14 goals) |
| 2022 | Union SG Transfer | Move to Belgium |
| 2024 | Standard Liège Transfer | Loan then permanent |
| 2026 | Iran Call-Up | Named to World Cup squad |
| 2026 | Gençlerbirliği Transfer | €900K move to Turkey |
These figures reveal a player of considerable experience who has played in four of Europe’s top leagues—Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, and Belgium. Eckert has accumulated over 290 professional appearances and scored nearly 70 goals across his career. His 2026 World Cup selection marks the pinnacle of his international journey.
The Present Tense
The Standard Liège Story:
Dennis Eckert was a key player for Standard Liège in the 2025/26 season, making 27 league appearances and scoring 5 goals. He began the 2026/27 season in excellent form, starting all three opening matches and scoring two goals, including a brace against Cercle Brugge. His contract with Standard ran until 2028.
The Gençlerbirliği Transfer:
In August 2026, Standard Liège reached an agreement with Turkish club Gençlerbirliği SK for the permanent transfer of Eckert, with a fee reported at approximately €900,000. The transfer was confirmed by transfer journalist Sacha Tavolieri, with Eckert traveling to Ankara to finalise the move. He was expected to sign a two-year contract with an option for an additional year.
The World Cup Campaign:
Eckert was named to Iran’s 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His selection followed the political exclusion of Sardar Azmoun. He received FIFA clearance and was registered under his grandfather’s surname, Dargahi.
International Record:
Eckert previously represented Germany at U19 level, making one appearance for the DFB in 2015. He was called up to Iran’s training camp in March 2026 and officially named to the World Cup squad in May 2026. He became the fifth German-born player with Iranian heritage to represent Iran.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Dennis Eckert is known for his multicultural background. Born in Bonn to a German father of Persian descent and a Spanish mother, he holds multiple nationalities. His aunt, Anahita Dargahi, is a famous Iranian actress.
His decision to represent Iran at the World Cup was made possible by his paternal heritage. For the tournament, he was officially registered under the name Dennis Dargahi. His call-up was a political decision as much as a footballing one—Azmoun was dropped from the squad for political reasons.
His transfer to Gençlerbirliği SK in Turkey represents the next chapter of a career that has already taken him through Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, and Belgium.
The Verdict from the Camp
Iran Football Federation:
“Eckert was invited to the training camp and, after receiving the required FIFA approval, will have the opportunity to play in the Iranian national team jersey.”
Statistic:
Eckert has made 75 appearances for Standard Liège, scoring 17 goals and providing 3 assists.
Statistic:
Eckert scored 2 goals in 3 league appearances at the start of the 2026/27 season for Standard.
Statistic:
Eckert is the fifth German-born player with Iranian heritage to represent Iran.
Statistic:
Eckert transferred to Gençlerbirliği for approximately €900,000.
Where Next?
Dennis Eckert is 29 years old and entering the prime of his career. His transfer to Gençlerbirliği SK in Turkey’s Süper Lig offers him a new challenge and an opportunity to establish himself as a key forward. His contract with the Turkish club will run for two seasons with an option for an additional year.
A return to a major European league is possible given his experience in Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, and Germany. For now, his focus will be on adapting to Turkish football and continuing the form that earned him his World Cup call-up.
For Iran, Eckert represents an intriguing option in attack. Despite not having played a senior international match before the World Cup, his selection was a testament to his goalscoring consistency in Belgium and the trust placed in him by the coaching staff.
From the youth ranks of Borussia Mönchengladbach to the World Cup stage, from the German U19s to representing Iran, Dennis Eckert’s journey is one of multicultural identity, adaptability, and the power of heritage. The boy from Bonn who chose to honour his paternal lineage has achieved what few footballers ever dream of—playing at a World Cup—and his story is far from over.
