Dennis Eckert Ayensa

Early career

After stints at Pulheimer SC, 1. FC Köln, and Alemannia Aachen, Eckert joined Borussia Mönchengladbach's youth setup in 2013 and made appearances in the UEFA Youth League. He made his senior debut with the latter's reserve team on 5 September 2015 in a 2–2 Regionalliga home draw against SSVg Velbert.

Celta Vigo

On 4 July 2017, Eckert joined Celta de Vigo and was initially assigned to the B-team in Segunda División B. He made his first-team debut on 18 August of the following year, coming on as a late substitute for Maxi Gómez in a 1–1 La Liga home draw against RCD Espanyol.

Loan to Excelsior

On 31 January 2019, Eckert joined Eredivisie side SBV Excelsior until June. He scored the game-winning goal on 17 February in a 2–1 comeback win against FC Emmen for his first top-flight goal.

FC Ingolstadt

On 2 September 2019, FC Ingolstadt announced the signing of Eckert. He scored a goal and provided an assist in his debut for the club on 15 September 2019. Eckert finished the season with 14 goals in 30 league matches, helping Ingolstadt reach the promotion play-offs. Eckert helped Ingolstadt reach the promotion play-offs again the following season, leading Ingolstadt to the 2. Bundesliga.

Royale Union Saint-Gilloise

On 20 June 2022, Eckert signed for Belgian side Union SG ahead of their 2022–23 season after scoring 25 goals and providing 15 assists in 78 league matches for Ingolstadt. He scored his first goal for Union in…

Youth

Eckert has played for the Germany U19 national team.

Senior

In March 2026, Eckert received his first call up to the Iran national team for friendly matches against Nigeria and Costa Rica. However, he was unable to make a debut appearance in the March friendly matches due to administrative issues and the absence of FIFA approval. On 1 June 2026, Eckert was named in Iran's final squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, without having received his FIFA Change of Association approval.

As of 31 May 2026

Dennis Yerai Eckert Ayensa was born and raised in Bonn to a Galician mother and a German father of Iranian descent, along with his brother Joel who played college soccer for Cape Breton University. Iranian actress Anahita Dargahi is his aunt. Eckert holds dual German and Spanish citizenship, and is fluent in German, English, and Spanish, while knowing minimal Persian. He received his Iranian citizenship by May 2026 and was given the name Dennis Dargahi.

Sponsorship

Eckert is outfitted by American sportswear supplier Nike.