PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye |
| Date of Birth | 06/03/2000 (Age: 26) |
| Place of Birth | France |
| Nationality | Senegalese |
| Height | 1.80 m / 5 ft 11 in |
| Weight | 74 kg |
| Position | Winger / Attacking Midfielder |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #10 |
| Current Club | Everton |
| Previous Clubs | Boreham Wood, Sheffield United, Marseille |
| International Caps | 43 |
| International Goals | 5 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2022, 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2029 |
The Frozen Moment
The Dallas heat was unrelenting. June 2026. Senegal and Iraq were locked in a tense World Cup group stage encounter, and Iliman Ndiaye was ready to make his mark.
The 26-year-old winger had been a key figure for Senegal throughout the tournament, starting two matches and making three appearances. He had already provided two assists—against France and Norway—and was Senegal’s creative spark. Now, against Iraq, he found himself in a familiar position: with the ball at his feet, defenders backing off, the weight of a nation on his shoulders.
He drove forward, his feet dancing past the Iraqi defense. The ball rolled past the goalkeeper. 2-2. His first World Cup goal.
Senegal would draw 2-2 with Iraq and lose to France, exiting the tournament in the group stage. But for the boy from France who had been rejected by Chelsea, Tottenham, and Southampton as a teenager, who had been signed by Boreham Wood in the fifth tier of English football, who had once been told by a club coach that he would never make it as a professional, the goal was a moment of redemption.
Origins
Iliman Ndiaye was born on March 6, 2000, in France. He began his football journey in the youth academies of his homeland, but his path to the top was anything but straightforward. He was rejected by numerous clubs, including Chelsea, Tottenham, and Southampton.
He got close while with the Southampton development team, which led to a six-week trial at the club, but he didn’t make the cut. The disappointing run continued until Boreham Wood, who are in the fifth tier of English Football, signed him in 2017. He later went on trial at Sheffield United where he was signed for the following season when he turned 19, but he needed to stay fit before starting.
That’s when Rising Ballers, a media brand that showcases unsigned talent, came in. He played five-a-side to keep fit and was invited to a showcase game where scouts discovered his skill.
His father, Mouhamadou Abdoulaye Ndiaye, has been a constant presence throughout his career. When his son was told by one team that he wouldn’t make it as a professional, his father’s support never wavered.
The European Forge
Boreham Wood (2017):
Ndiaye made his senior debut for Boreham Wood in the National League, the fifth tier of English football. His performances in the lower leagues caught the attention of Sheffield United.
Sheffield United (2019-2023):
Ndiaye’s time at Sheffield United was transformative. In the 2022-23 season, he recorded 24 goal involvements (14 goals, 10 assists) as the Blades gained promotion from the Championship. His performances in the Premier League made him one of the most sought-after young talents in English football.
Olympique Marseille (2023-2024):
In the summer of 2023, Ndiaye moved to Marseille, the club he supported as a boy. He made 30 Ligue 1 appearances but only 19 starts, scoring 3 goals and providing 3 assists. “I struggled; I won’t deny it,” he later admitted. “I didn’t really go through a youth academy, and I’d only had one professional season in the English second tier. There were still gaps in my game for a top French club.”
He left after one season, but he has left the door open for a return: “I’m certain the story isn’t over at all with Marseille.”
Everton (2024-Present):
In July 2024, Everton purchased Ndiaye for £15 million. He signed a five-year deal and became an instant hit with the Everton fans.
In the 2025-26 Premier League season, he made 32 appearances, scoring 6 goals and providing 3 assists. He netted Everton’s last goal at Goodison Park and their first at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The Anatomy of His Game
Ndiaye is a winger defined by his dribbling ability, creativity, and flair. His playing style has been described as “the way I play football gets people off their seats.”
In Possession:
Ndiaye is a creative force capable of both scoring and assisting. In the 2025-26 Premier League season, he recorded 6 goals and 3 assists in 32 appearances. At the 2026 World Cup, he recorded 1 goal and 2 assists in 3 appearances. His dribbling ability is his standout quality, as demonstrated by his early goal of the season contender against Sunderland.
Out of Possession:
Ndiaye’s work rate and defensive contributions are notable. He is a willing runner who presses when required.
Physical Attributes:
Standing at 1.80 meters and weighing 74 kg, Ndiaye uses his low center of gravity, pace, and agility to evade defenders.
Psychological Edge:
Ndiaye’s career has been defined by resilience. He was rejected by multiple clubs and played in the fifth tier before reaching the Premier League. His composure in front of goal and his ability to deliver in crucial moments were evident at the World Cup.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premier League | 32 | 32 | 2,789 | 6 | 3 |
| EFL Cup | 2 | — | 44 | 0 | 0 |
| FIFA World Cup | 3 | 1 | 114 | 1 | 2 |
| TOTAL | 37 | 33 | 2,947 | 7 | 5 |
TABLE B: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 3 | 1 | 114 | 1 | 2 |
| FIFA World Cup 2022 | 3 | 2 | 135 | 0 | 1 |
| Africa Cup of Nations 2025 | 6 | 6 | 435 | 1 | 0 |
| Africa Cup of Nations 2023 | 4 | 0 | 66 | 1 | 1 |
| Senegal Senior Career | 43 | 29 | 2,352 | 5 | 8 |
TABLE C: The Impact Table (Major Honours)
| Competition | Year(s) |
|---|---|
| Africa Cup of Nations (Winner) | 2025 |
| Championship (Promotion) | 2022/23 |
| Total Major Trophies | 1 |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Boreham Wood Signing | Fifth-tier debut |
| 2019 | Sheffield United Move | Professional breakthrough |
| 2022/23 | Championship Promotion | With Sheffield United |
| 2023 | Marseille Transfer | Boyhood club move |
| 2024 | Everton Transfer | £15m move |
| 2025 | AFCON Winner | With Senegal |
| 2026 | World Cup Goal | Scored against Iraq |
TABLE E: 2026 World Cup Performance
| Stage | Opponent | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group Stage | France | — | 0 | 1 |
| Group Stage | Norway | — | 0 | 1 |
| Group Stage | Iraq | — | 1 | 0 |
| TOTAL | — | 114 | 1 | 2 |
What these figures reveal
is a player who has steadily progressed through the ranks. Ndiaye has made 43 appearances for Senegal, scored 5 goals, and recorded 8 assists. His 6 goals and 3 assists in the Premier League in the 2025-26 season demonstrate his ability to contribute at the highest level. At 26, he is entering the prime of his career.
The Present Tense
Iliman Ndiaye is 26 years old and at a pivotal moment in his career. He is an Everton player, a Senegal international, and a World Cup goalscorer.
The Everton Story:
Ndiaye joined Everton in July 2024 for £15 million and has become a key player for the club. In the 2025-26 Premier League season, he made 32 appearances, scoring 6 goals and providing 3 assists. He scored Everton’s last goal at Goodison Park and their first at their new stadium. He has three years remaining on his contract. Everton manager David Moyes has stated Ndiaye is “the last person I would consider selling.”
The Transfer Saga:
Ndiaye has been the subject of intense transfer speculation linking him to Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal. Everton have reportedly demanded a fee in the region of £68.6 million with additional bonuses of £12.8 million, for a total package of £81.5 million. Ndiaye’s father has categorically denied the speculation, stating his son “has no intention of joining Al-Hilal” and remains fully committed to competing at the highest level in European football. His father added that Ndiaye’s ambitions include winning another Africa Cup of Nations, winning the World Cup, and one day becoming a Ballon d’Or winner.
The Marseille Connection:
Ndiaye has left the door open for a return to his boyhood club. “I would have liked a second season at Marseille to show my progress,” he said. “I’m certain the story isn’t over at all with Marseille.”
International Record:
Ndiaye has 43 caps for Senegal and has scored 5 goals. He was part of the squad that won the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. He played in two World Cups (2022, 2026) and scored his first World Cup goal against Iraq.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Ndiaye is defined by his journey from rejection to success. He was rejected by Chelsea, Tottenham, and Southampton as a teenager and played in the fifth tier before reaching the Premier League.
Rising Ballers, a media brand that showcases unsigned talent, was instrumental in helping him showcase his skills. “The things I was doing there, I wasn’t doing at other clubs. It helped me stay fit and enjoy football more, especially when you don’t have a club,” he told the BBC.
He has spoken about the importance of his father’s support: “One team told my father that I wouldn’t make it as a professional. I have trained my whole time to be a football player and just believe in my ability. Don’t focus on the rejection and one day your luck is going to come through.”
His father’s recent statement on the transfer speculation reflects the family’s commitment to his sporting ambitions: “He knows he can earn a lot of money there, but he also thinks his level could drop. He’s not the type to prioritise money over his career.”
The Verdict from the Camp
David Moyes, Everton Manager:
“He is the last person I would consider selling.”
Mouhamadou Abdoulaye Ndiaye, Father:
“Many people called me to tell me that Iliman was going to leave. But rest assured, he is not going anywhere. He has no intention of joining Al-Hilal.”
“His goal is to win another Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal, win the World Cup, and one day become a Ballon d’Or winner. That’s what motivates him today.”
Iliman Ndiaye:
“The way I play football gets people off their seats.”
“I would have liked a second season at Marseille to show my progress. I’m certain the story isn’t over at all with Marseille.”
Statistic:
Ndiaye has 43 caps and 5 goals for Senegal.
Statistic:
Ndiaye recorded 1 goal and 2 assists at the 2026 World Cup.
Statistic:
Ndiaye has three years remaining on his Everton contract.
Where Next?
Iliman Ndiaye is 26 years old and under contract with Everton until 2029. His father has dismissed speculation linking him to Al-Hilal, confirming his son has no intention of joining the Saudi Pro League club. Everton’s manager David Moyes has stated Ndiaye is not for sale. Everton are in a strong negotiating position with three years remaining on his contract.
For Senegal, he is a key player. His 43 caps, his 2026 World Cup performances, and his Africa Cup of Nations title make him an ideal player for the Lions of Teranga. At 26, he has many years ahead of him and could become a regular fixture for the national team.
From Boreham Wood to Sheffield United, from Marseille to Everton, and from a World Cup squad member to a World Cup goalscorer, Iliman Ndiaye’s journey is a story of perseverance, resilience, and a refusal to be defined by rejection. The boy who was told he wouldn’t make it as a professional has become a Premier League star, an AFCON champion, and a World Cup player. And his story is far from over.
