From Sunday League to Premier League Star: Iliman Ndiaye’s Incredible Journey

Iliman Ndiaye has completed a remarkable rise from Sunday League to £15million Premier League star in just six years. The 24-year-old forward recently joined Everton from Marseille on a five-year deal, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Everton’s new signing

Ndiaye’s journey to the top flight began when he was spotted playing five-a-side in Hammersmith by Sunday League club Rising Ballers. The club, which aims to help talented players get into professional football, certainly achieved their goal with Ndiaye.

“Rising Ballers work to help talented players get into professional football and they certainly achieved their goal with Ndiaye.”

He went on to join non-league side Boreham Wood before sealing a move to Sheffield United in 2020. The then Premier League club loaned him to Northern Premier League side Hyde before he broke into the first-team.

Ndiaye’s time at Sheffield United

Ndiaye would make his top-flight debut for the Blades before their relegation in 2021. Following their drop into the Championship, he established himself as a key man and fired United to promotion two years later.

By the time the club accepted a bid from Marseille last summer, Ndiaye had scored 22 goals and provided 14 assists in 88 appearances. He had also featured at the 2022 World Cup for Senegal, winning three of his 19 international caps at the tournament.

Ndiaye’s time at Marseille

During his single season with Marseille, where he spent time as a youngster, Ndiaye scored four goals and added five assists. He is now back in England, though, ahead of the new Premier League season.

Ndiaye becomes Sean Dyche’s third signing of the summer at Goodison Park. Everton have already signed midfielder Tim Iroegbunam from Aston Villa and extended Jack Harrison’s loan by another season.

Ndiaye’s new home

The French-born attacker’s incredible rise is a testament to his hard work and dedication. From Sunday League to Premier League star, Ndiaye’s journey is an inspiration to aspiring footballers everywhere.