Iliman Ndiaye is a professional footballer who currently plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for Premier League club Everton and the Senegal national team. As of January 21, 2026, he is a newly crowned African champion, having helped Senegal win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) by defeating Morocco 1-0 in the final on January 18. Ndiaye, who is 25 years old, has become a pivotal figure for Everton since his £15 million move from Marseille in 2024, notably scoring the first-ever goal at Everton’s new Hill Dickinson Stadium in August 2025. This guide provides an in-depth look at his remarkable rise from non-league football to Premier League stardom, his tactical versatility, and his recent historic achievements on the international stage.
2026 Career Status: AFCON Champion and Everton Icon
The start of 2026 has been the most successful period of Iliman Ndiaye’s career to date. Just three days ago, he lifted the AFCON trophy in Rabat, Morocco, playing 77 minutes in the final against the host nation.
Key 2025/2026 Milestones:
- AFCON Glory: Ndiaye appeared in all seven games of Senegal’s successful 2025 campaign, scoring a crucial winner against Mali in the quarter-finals.
- Stadium History: On August 24, 2025, he secured his place in Everton lore by scoring the opening goal in a 2-0 victory against Brighton, the first competitive goal at the club’s new stadium.
- Current Value: Due to his stellar form, his market valuation has soared to an estimated €45 million to €55 million, with rumors of interest from top European clubs.
He remains under contract with Everton until June 30, 2029, following a five-year deal signed in July 2024.
The Rise from Non-League to the Premier League
Ndiaye’s journey is often cited as one of the most inspirational in modern football. Unlike many stars who are scouted by elite academies at a young age, Ndiaye had to prove himself in the lower tiers of the English football pyramid.
The Path to Pro:
- Boreham Wood and Sunday League: After moving to England from Senegal via France, Ndiaye played for Boreham Wood and even featured in Sunday League matches for Rising Ballers to stay sharp.
- The Hyde United Loan: While at Sheffield United, he was sent on loan to Hyde United in the seventh tier. His former manager, David McGurk, recently recalled how Ndiaye would take the train from Sheffield to Manchester just to train in the freezing winter.
- Sheffield United Breakthrough: He eventually became the “FIFA cheat code” of the Championship, scoring 14 goals and providing 11 assists in the 2022/23 season to fire the Blades into the Premier League.
Tactical Analysis: Versatility and Skillset
Ndiaye is highly regarded for his “silky” dribbling and explosive tenacity. In the 2025/26 Premier League season, he has primarily operated as a Left Winger or Attacking Midfielder under Everton’s management.
Player Strengths (2025/2026 Stats):
- Dribbling: He maintains a successful dribble rate of nearly 50%, often used to transition Everton from defense to attack.
- End Product: As of mid-January 2026, he has recorded 4 goals and 2 assists in 16 Premier League appearances this season.
- Defensive Work Rate: Unlike many creative flair players, Ndiaye ranks highly for defensive contributions, averaging over 2.3 tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes.
His ability to drift between the lines makes him a nightmare for traditional Premier League defenders who struggle with his low center of gravity.
International Legacy with the Lions of Teranga
Representing Senegal is a point of immense pride for Ndiaye, whose father was born in the country. Since his debut in 2022, he has become a regular fixture alongside legends like Sadio Mané and Idrissa Gana Gueye.
International Stats & Achievements:
- Caps: 39 appearances for Senegal as of January 2026.
- Goals: 4 international goals, including the record-breaking 11th goal for Senegal in a single AFCON tournament during the 2025 quarter-finals.
- Major Tournaments: Member of the 2022 World Cup squad and a winner of the 2025 AFCON.
His partnership with fellow Evertonian Idrissa Gueye has helped foster a “blue” connection within the Senegalese national setup.
Practical Information for Fans
How to Watch Iliman Ndiaye
- Club: Catch him playing for Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Tickets for home games generally range from £45 to £70 for adults.
- National Team: He will be a key player for Senegal in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
- Social Media: Follow him on Instagram for behind-the-scenes content of his life in Merseyside and his international travels.
What to Expect in 2026
Following his AFCON success, Ndiaye is expected to return to Everton’s starting lineup for the final stretch of the 2025/26 season. With Everton currently sitting in the top half of the table, his goals will be vital for their push toward European qualification.
Iliman Ndiaye: The Complete 2026 Guide (Part 2)
As of January 21, 2026, the footballing world is still buzzing from Iliman Ndiaye’s heroics in Rabat, where he played a central role in Senegal’s second-ever AFCON triumph. While Part 1 of this guide detailed his statistical rise and 2025/26 Everton milestones, Part 2 explores the “Anatomy of a Dribbler,” his deep-rooted connection to the Senegalese community, and the multi-million pound transfer rumors currently circulating as the January 2026 window enters its final week.
Anatomy of a Dribbler: The Freestyle Influence
One of the most distinctive aspects of Ndiaye’s game is his “unorthodox” dribbling style, which has been analyzed by tactical experts as a blend of professional training and street football creativity. Unlike players produced solely in elite European academies, Ndiaye’s close control is heavily influenced by his father’s passion for freestyle football.
The Technical Profile:
- The “Dance” Technique: Ndiaye has frequently cited his father’s “dance” drills—using rhythmic movements to manipulate a ball—as the secret behind his ability to weave through tight spaces.
- Explosive Acceleration: Statistical data from the 2025/26 Premier League season shows that Ndiaye ranks in the top 5% of wingers for “progressive carries into the penalty area,” often utilizing a sudden burst of speed from a standing start.
- Low Center of Gravity: Standing at 180cm with a lean build, he possesses an exceptional balance that makes him one of the most fouled players in the league, as defenders struggle to dispossess him without physical contact.
International Legacy: From Dakar to Rabat
Ndiaye’s impact on the Senegal national team reached legendary status during the 2025 AFCON. His winning goal in the 1-0 quarter-final victory over Mali was not just a match-winner; it was Senegal’s 11th goal of the tournament, setting a new national record for the most goals scored in a single AFCON edition.
The New Leader of the Lions:
With Sadio Mané entering the twilight of his career in 2026, many Senegalese journalists, including Saikou Seydi, have identified Ndiaye as the nation’s next “Technical Leader.” His performance in the 2025 final—playing 77 minutes of high-intensity football against Morocco—showcased a level of tactical maturity that has made him indispensable to the Lions of Teranga.
Transfer Watch 2026: The Big Three Interest
Success breeds speculation, and as of late January 2026, Ndiaye is at the center of a Premier League “tug-of-war.” His value, which was a bargain £15 million in 2024, has now tripled following his standout performances for club and country.
Reported Interest (January 2026):
- Manchester City: Rumors suggest Pep Guardiola sees Ndiaye as a versatile “rotation gem” who could provide a different technical profile to City’s current wide players.
- Tottenham Hotspur: Under the current project at Spurs, there is a reported desire to add more “flair and unpredictability” to their front line, with Ndiaye listed as a primary target.
- Liverpool FC: While a cross-city move is rare, some reports indicate that Liverpool have made inquiries, looking for a long-term successor to their aging attacking stars.
Everton, however, remain firm. Having just moved into their new stadium, the club is reluctant to sell their “History Maker” unless a bid exceeds £80 million-£100 million, a figure that would make him the club’s record sale.
Off the Pitch: Life in Formby and Community Impact
Despite his burgeoning superstar status, Ndiaye is known for his humility and unassuming lifestyle. He currently resides in Formby, a coastal area popular with Merseyside footballers, where he is frequently seen by fans enjoying quiet walks on the beach.
Community and Faith:
- Giving Back: Ndiaye is actively involved in charity work in Senegal, particularly focusing on youth football academies in Dakar, ensuring that other young players have the “pathway” he had to fight so hard for.
- A “Star Without an Ego”: Coaches at Everton, including those who worked with David Moyes during his 2025 return, have praised Ndiaye for his work rate, often being the last player to leave the training pitch at Finch Farm.
FAQs
Is Iliman Ndiaye leaving Everton in January 2026?
While there is significant interest from Man City, Spurs, and Liverpool, Everton have stated he is not for sale as they look to build their future around him in the new stadium.
What is Ndiaye’s FIFA/FC 26 rating?
Following his AFCON win, Ndiaye received a TOTY Honourable Mention card with an overall rating of 88, making him one of the highest-rated African players in the game.
How many goals did he score in the 2025 AFCON?
He scored one crucial goal in the quarter-final against Mali, which set a new national record for Senegal.
Does Ndiaye take penalties for Everton?
Yes, under the current management of David Moyes in 2026, Ndiaye is one of the primary penalty takers for the club.
What is Ndiaye’s height and weight?
He stands at 180cm (5’11”) and maintains a lean, athletic build designed for high-intensity dribbling.
Is Ndiaye eligible for France?
He was born in France, but he is fully committed to the Senegal national team and has already earned 39 caps.
Who is Iliman Ndiaye’s agent?
He is represented by the agency Classico, which manages several top European and African stars.
What was Ndiaye’s first club in England?
His first senior club in England was Boreham Wood, followed by a loan spell at Hyde United.
How much is Iliman Ndiaye worth in Fantasy Premier League (FPL)?
As of January 2026, he is priced at £6.2m and is considered a high-value “mid-priced” asset with over 70 points already this season.
Can Iliman Ndiaye play as a striker?
Yes, while he usually plays on the wing or as a No. 10, he has the versatility to play as a Second Striker in a front two.
Who does Iliman Ndiaye play for in 2026?
He plays for Everton in the English Premier League and the Senegal national team.
Did Iliman Ndiaye win AFCON?
Yes, he won the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal on January 18, 2026.
How much did Everton pay for Iliman Ndiaye?
Everton signed him from Marseille in July 2024 for a reported fee of £15 million.
What position does Iliman Ndiaye play?
He is a versatile forward who can play as a Left Winger, Right Winger, or Attacking Midfielder (No. 10).
Where was Iliman Ndiaye born?
He was born in Rouen, France, to a Senegalese father and a French mother.
What is Ndiaye’s contract length?
His current contract with Everton runs until June 30, 2029.
Did he play for Sheffield United?
Yes, he was a star player for Sheffield United between 2019 and 2023, helping them win promotion to the Premier League.
Who scored the first goal at Everton’s new stadium?
Iliman Ndiaye scored the first competitive goal at the Hill Dickinson Stadium against Brighton on August 24, 2025.
What is Iliman Ndiaye’s market value in 2026? As of early 2026, his value is estimated between €45m and €55m.
How many goals has he scored for Everton this season?
As of late January 2026, he has 4 goals in the 2025/26 Premier League season.
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