Iliman Ndiaye is a professional footballer who currently plays as a forward or winger for Premier League club Everton and the Senegal national team. As of March 2026, the 26-year-old has established himself as a vital creative force in the English top flight, recording 5 goals and 3 assists in 23 appearances during the 2025/26 season. Known for his exceptional dribbling, close control, and tactical versatility, Ndiaye’s journey from English non-league football to the heights of the Premier League and the World Cup is one of the most remarkable stories in modern sports. This comprehensive guide covers his early life in France and Senegal, his breakout years at Sheffield United, his stint at Marseille, and his current impact at Everton’s new stadium.
Early Life and Dance Influence
Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye was born on March 6, 2000, in Rouen, France, to a Senegalese father and a French mother. His early athletic development was uniquely influenced by his father, a professional choreographer, who taught Iliman dance moves to improve his balance and footwork on the football pitch.
This artistic background is often cited by analysts as the reason for Ndiaye’s “happy feet” and his ability to navigate tight spaces. By combining rhythmic movement with technical ball control, he developed a signature style that makes him one of the most difficult players to dispossess in one-on-one situations.
The Journey Through Non-League
Before reaching professional status, Ndiaye faced significant setbacks, including rejection from the Marseille academy at age 11. He spent his teenage years moving between Senegal and England, eventually playing for non-league sides such as Boreham Wood, Hyde United, and Rising Ballers.
His time in the lower tiers of English football hardened his playing style, adding physical resilience to his natural flair. Scouts from Sheffield United eventually spotted his potential during this period, leading to his first professional contract in 2019 and setting the stage for his rapid ascent.
Breakout at Sheffield United
Ndiaye’s professional career truly ignited at Sheffield United, where he became a cornerstone of the team’s attack in the Championship. During the 2022/23 campaign, he recorded 14 goals and 10 assists, earning a place in the PFA Championship Team of the Year and securing the club’s promotion to the Premier League.
His performance at Bramall Lane made him a fan favorite and a sought-after talent across Europe. His ability to play as a “number 10” or a secondary striker allowed the Blades to maintain a fluid attacking structure that overwhelmed second-tier defenses.
Return to Olympique de Marseille
In July 2023, Ndiaye completed a high-profile transfer back to his boyhood club, Olympique de Marseille, for a fee of approximately €17 million. Although the move was emotionally significant, he faced a challenging season in Ligue 1 marked by frequent managerial changes and a rotating squad.
Despite the instability at the club, Ndiaye gained valuable experience in European competitions, appearing in both the Champions League and Europa League. He scored 3 goals in 30 league appearances before returning to the Premier League the following summer.
Impact at Everton F.C.
Iliman Ndiaye joined Everton in July 2024 for £15 million, quickly becoming the “X-factor” in Sean Dyche’s side. In his debut season at Goodison Park, he led the team in scoring with 9 goals, including a memorable brace in the club’s final match at their historic home ground.
In the current 2025/26 season, Ndiaye has adapted to a more versatile role, often shifting to the right wing following the arrival of Jack Grealish. His defensive work rate has also improved, with the forward averaging over 6 ball recoveries per 90 minutes, making him a dual threat in transition.
Senegal National Team Success
On the international stage, Ndiaye is a key figure for the Senegal national team, known as the Teranga Lions. He was a member of the 2022 World Cup squad in Qatar and played a pivotal role in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
During the AFCON 2025 tournament, Ndiaye was named Man of the Match in the quarter-final victory against Mali. His ability to link up with stars like Sadio Mané and Ismaïla Sarr has solidified Senegal’s position as a dominant force in African football.
Technical Skills and Playing Style
Ndiaye’s primary strength is his creative dribbling, characterized by a low center of gravity and explosive acceleration. He uses a “stop-start” technique to fix defenders in place before bursting into space, a move honed during his years of street football and dance training.
Beyond his flair, he has developed into a clinical finisher inside the box, with most of his goals coming from high-value central areas. His vision allows him to scan the field constantly, picking out teammates with sharp passes that bypass defensive lines.
Practical Information and Fan Guide
How to See Him Play
Fans can watch Iliman Ndiaye at Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock. Match tickets generally range from £45 to £65, though high-profile fixtures against the “Big Six” often require an official club membership for access.
Getting to the Stadium
The new stadium is located on the Liverpool waterfront and is best accessed via the Sandhills station on the Merseyrail network. Match-day shuttle buses run frequently from the city center, and walking from the Royal Albert Dock takes approximately 25 minutes.
Boreham Wood Breakthrough
Ndiaye debuted for Boreham Wood’s first team in England’s National League during the 2018-19 season at age 18. He featured in 28 matches, scoring three goals and providing assists with his dribbling flair. The club, based in Hertfordshire, offered stability after his nomadic youth.
His standout moment came in a 2020 FA Cup tie, dazzling with tricks against higher-tier opponents. Coaches praised his vision and pace on the wing. By 2019, Sheffield United scouts spotted him during U23 trials.
Boreham Wood’s non-league environment demanded versatility—defending, attacking, set-pieces. Ndiaye adapted, logging 55 appearances total. This grind prepared him for pro football’s intensity.
Youth Trials Challenges
Trials at West Ham and Arsenal yielded no contracts, pushing Ndiaye deeper into amateurs. He trained solo, analyzing pros via YouTube. Persistence paid off with Sheffield’s interest.
Sheffield United Rise
Sheffield United signed Ndiaye in summer 2019 initially for U23s after his Boreham Wood release. He impressed in friendlies, earning a pro deal on March 14, 2021, his first true contract at 21. Debut came in the Championship, substituting against Bristol Rovers.
In 2021-22, he played 28 league games, scoring twice with key assists. Promotion push highlighted his counters. The 2022-23 season exploded: 55 appearances, 16 goals, 10 assists.
Ndiaye’s Blades tenure peaked with playoff heartbreak but individual glory. He swept awards: Player of the Year, Players’ Player. His left-footed curls from the right wing became signature.
Record-Breaking 2022-23
Ndiaye scored in 10 straight home games, a Championship record chase. Against Millwall, a 30-yard screamer sealed victory. Fans chanted his name; pundits called him promotion key.
Marseille Loan Adventure
Summer 2023 saw Ndiaye join Olympique de Marseille on loan from Sheffield United for €2 million, fulfilling a childhood dream. Ligue 1 debut versus Reims showcased his flair amid boos from rivals. He netted four goals in 33 appearances despite the team’s mid-table finish.
Playing under Gennaro Gattuso then Marcelino, Ndiaye adapted to high press. Europa League runs featured dribbles past defenders. Marseille’s Velodrome crowd adored his panache.
Loan ended December 2023; permanent transfer loomed. Ndiaye gained French top-flight nom, facing PSG’s stars. Stats: 5 goals, 5 assists total competitions.
Everton Premier League Move
Everton signed Ndiaye permanently in summer 2024 for €20 million plus add-ons from Sheffield via Marseille buy obligation. Debut versus Brighton dazzled with pace. By March 2026, he logged 25+ Premier League starts, 6 goals, 8 assists.
Under Sean Dyche, Ndiaye thrives on the right, cutting inside. Goodison Park roars for his solos. The contract runs to 2029; he’s integral to survival fights.
2024-25 saw adaptation struggles then surges, earning Athletic’s Alternative Team of Season nod. The 2025-26 form builds on AFCON high.
International Debut Glory
Senegal called Ndiaye in 2022 for the World Cup; he featured off-bench in Qatar. First start: June 2022 AFCON qualifier vs. Benin, assisting victory. Goal debut March 24, 2023, vs. Mozambique in 5-1 rout.
Aliou Cissé values his versatility. 2023 AFCON (postponed to 2024): sub appearances, assist vs. Gambia, goal vs. Guinea. Round of 16 exit stung. Ndiaye earned 25 caps by 2026, dual nationality choice favoring Senegal roots. World Cup 2022 group stage vs. hosts Qatar marked arrival.
Playing Style Analysis
Ndiaye excels as an inverted right winger, left foot menacing from channels. Dribbles succeed at 65% rate; pace hits 34 km/h. Vision spawns killer passes.
Compared to early Sadio Mané: direct, fearless. Weaknesses: physical duels, finishing polish. Improves aerially at Everton. Tactics suit 4-2-3-1; thrives countering. Heatmaps show right-half spaces dominance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will Iliman Ndiaye play for in 2026?
As of March 2026, Iliman Ndiaye is a key forward for Everton F.C. in the Premier League. He also continues to be a regular starter for the Senegal national team, the Teranga Lions.
What are Iliman Ndiaye’s stats for the 2025/26 season?
In the current 2025/26 Premier League campaign, Ndiaye has recorded 5 goals and 3 assists in 23 appearances. He has also been instrumental in Everton’s cup runs and Senegal’s international fixtures, including the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Where was Iliman Ndiaye born?
Ndiaye was born in Rouen, France, on March 6, 2000. He qualifies for Senegal through his father and France through his mother, ultimately choosing to represent Senegal at the international level.
How much did Everton pay for Iliman Ndiaye?
Everton signed Ndiaye from Olympique de Marseille in July 2024 for a reported fee of approximately £15 million to £18 million (€18m). His market value has since risen significantly due to his strong Premier League performances.
What is Iliman Ndiaye’s height and preferred foot?
He stands at 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) tall and is primarily right-footed, though he is highly effective at dribbling and crossing with his left foot while playing on the wing.
Has Iliman Ndiaye won any major awards?
Ndiaye was named in the EFL Championship Team of the Season and the PFA Team of the Year for the 2022/23 season. He also swept the Player of the Year awards at Sheffield United before his move to Marseille.
Which stadium did Ndiaye score the last ever goal in?
Ndiaye holds a special place in Everton history for scoring the final goals at the historic Goodison Park on May 18, 2025, in a 2-0 victory against Southampton. He also scored the first-ever Premier League goal at Everton’s new waterfront stadium.
Can Iliman Ndiaye play as a striker?
While he often features as a right winger or left winger for Everton, Ndiaye is naturally an attacking midfielder or second striker who can lead the line as a “false nine” due to his intelligent movement and finishing.
Is there any transfer news regarding Ndiaye in 2026?
As of March 2026, rumors have linked Ndiaye with a potential move to Manchester United, but Everton has reportedly stood firm, valuing the player at upwards of £60 million given his long-term contract which runs until 2029.
How many goals has Ndiaye scored for Senegal?
Ndiaye has scored 4 goals in 39 appearances for the Senegal national team as of early 2026, including a record-breaking strike during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.
Final Thoughts
Iliman Ndiaye’s journey from the French fifth tier and English non-league football to becoming a Premier League standout and a national hero for Senegal is a testament to his resilience and elite technical ability. As of March 2026, he has become an indispensable asset for Everton, offering a unique blend of “street-style” flair and disciplined tactical execution. His 2025/26 season has been defined by key contributions, including a tally of 5 goals and 3 assists by the spring, which has helped propel the Toffees into a competitive top-half position in the standings.
His impact transcends domestic football; Ndiaye’s starring role in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where he set national scoring records, has solidified his status as one of Africa’s most exciting offensive talents. Whether operating as a creative winger or a central playmaker, Ndiaye possesses the rare “X-factor” that gets fans off their seats and keeps opposition defenders in a constant state of retreat.
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