Biography
Early Life
Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye was born on March 6, 2000, in France, to a Senegalese father who worked as a choreographer and a French mother. Despite being born in France, Ndiaye always felt his identity was rooted in Senegal β and that decision about who he represents would define his career. He grew up dancing as much as playing football, and his father's choreography background gave him the hip movement and body feints that make him such an elusive dribbler.
Breakthrough
The story of Ndiaye's rise is largely the story of Sheffield United's 2022-23 Championship campaign. He was everywhere β the energy, the goals, the unpredictability. He scored 15 goals and provided 12 assists as United won promotion to the Premier League. That performance led to him representing Senegal at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he assisted in a famous group stage win over hosts Qatar.
Career
Marseille brought him to Ligue 1 in 2023, and after a successful season in the south of France, Everton signed him on a five-year deal in July 2024. He wears the number 10 at Goodison Park β a statement of faith from the club. He has been one of Everton's standout performers in a transitional period, finishing runner-up for the club's Player of the Season award in his debut campaign.
Personal Life
Ndiaye's father was a choreographer who taught him dance from early childhood, and he has credited those lessons with giving him the rhythmic body movement that defines his dribbling style. He is a proud Senegalese international who has spoken about how meaningful it is to represent the nation his father calls home, even though he could have chosen to play for France.
Legacy
A journey from a French upbringing to World Cup assists to the Premier League number 10. Iliman Ndiaye is still only 26, and the most interesting chapters of his story are still ahead of him.
Stats & Finances
Career Timeline
Joined the club and worked through the system before breaking into the first team
Became the star of United's Championship promotion season β 15 goals and 12 assists
Appeared at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, assisting in Senegal's famous win over the host nation
Moved to Ligue 1 with Marseille following his outstanding Championship season
Joined Everton on a five-year deal and took the iconic number 10 shirt
Fun Facts
Ndiaye's father was a choreographer β and believes the dance training his son received as a child directly shaped his dribbling style
He could have chosen to represent France internationally but chose Senegal β a decision he speaks about with obvious pride
He appeared at the 2022 World Cup despite having never played in the Premier League at that point in his career
Sheffield United paid him Championship wages as he delivered 15 goals and 12 assists β one of the division's great individual seasons
At Everton, he wears the number 10 shirt β a badge of honour at a club where that number carries serious historical weight
Data last verified: April 2026
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