Ndiaye: The YouTube to Prem Star

The Unconventional Ascent: How Iliman Ndiaye Forged His Path to England's Top Flight

Iliman Ndiaye has a style of play that consistently energises spectators and fills stadiums with anticipation. Everton supporters witnessed this first-hand during a recent contest against Sunderland, where the midfielder produced a strike worthy of goal-of-the-season discussions. After taking possession on the right side of the pitch, he moved past several defenders with an electrifying combination of pace and dexterity. He concluded the run by scoring with his non-dominant foot, a moment of pure quality that showcased his exceptional talent. Though his abilities are now celebrated, the route to securing a regular place in England's highest football tier was fraught with challenges. His was a story of overcoming rejection through sheer resilience and a profound self-belief.

A Boy from Rouen with a Global Upbringing

Born in Rouen, France, to a French mother and Senegalese father, Ndiaye's footballing education was remarkably cosmopolitan. His initial development took place at local organisations Rouen Sapins and FC Rouen before he attracted the interest of Olympique de Marseille, the team he followed as a youngster. A subsequent move to their renowned academy was cut short when his family relocated to Senegal at age 11. There, he enrolled at the Dakar Sacré-Cœur academy, refining his technique on the sandy surfaces that have nurtured many of Africa’s premier talents. This varied background fostered a technical adaptability that became a signature of his game, equipping him for the diverse obstacles of a professional career.

Early Setbacks in a Demanding System

The ambition of playing at the highest level seemed a remote possibility during Ndiaye’s formative years. Upon moving to England with his father, he encountered a string of dispiriting rejections from several of the nation’s most prominent clubs. Trials with both Tottenham and Chelsea concluded without a contract offer, experiences that could have easily discouraged a less resolved individual. He came nearest to a breakthrough at Southampton's respected development facility, earning a trial period that lasted six weeks but ultimately did not result in an offer. These moments were crucial, teaching him difficult lessons about the unforgiving nature of the professional game, where for every success, thousands are turned away.

Finding a Foothold in Non-League Football

His determination eventually saw him join Boreham Wood, a club competing within England's fifth football division. He put pen to paper on his first contract in the calendar year 2017, finally establishing a presence in the senior game. The National League is far removed from the glitz of the top flight, requiring a physical and psychological fortitude that challenges even the most gifted athletes. It was within this demanding context that Ndiaye began to forge his reputation. The spell was essential, giving him the competitive experience and strength of character needed to advance. It was a vital, humbling step that steeled him for future pressures and preserved his aspirations.

The Digital Revolution in Talent Spotting

While navigating the unpredictable landscape of club trials, Ndiaye made a connection with Rising Ballers. This contemporary media entity, established in late 2017, saw an opportunity to cover football for a younger, more digitally savvy generation. The organisation utilises social media outlets such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to highlight the progress of unsigned athletes and academy prospects, giving them significant exposure. For Ndiaye, participating in their Sunday League fixtures was more than a method of maintaining fitness; it was a platform. His extraordinary skill was spotted during a casual five-a-side match, opening up a new route that would eventually lead to a professional chance.

Rising Ballers: A New Pathway to the Pros

The creators of Rising Ballers—Jamie Pollitt, Eni Shabani, and Brendon Shabani—built the platform for young footballers and supporters who felt ignored by mainstream outlets. It rapidly evolved into a critical resource, using social media to cultivate a community and provide a second opportunity for aspiring talents. Their approach was remarkably successful. The inaugural season of their showcase squad, which drew 5,000 applicants for just 20 places, saw eight participants secure professional deals. Ndiaye emerged as their most celebrated success, his progression from their grassroots programme to the highest level validating their pioneering strategy. The company now collaborates with international brands, reaching an audience numbering in the millions.

Sheffield United Takes a Chance

Following a successful tryout in August 2019, Sheffield United presented Ndiaye with a contract. While his ability was clear, he remained an unpolished talent. To help him acclimate to the structure of English football, the club arranged a loan to Hyde United, a seventh-tier side, for the 2019-20 campaign. This period proved critical for his growth, subjecting him to the demands of senior-level play. He met the challenge head-on, earning the admiration of the coaching staff with his unwavering dedication. His commitment was so intense that stadium staff often had to extinguish the floodlights to prompt him to catch the final train after his personal training routines.

Breakthrough at Bramall Lane

Upon his return to Sheffield United, Ndiaye was initially part of the Under-23 squad. His debut in England's top division occurred on 14 March 2021, as a late-game replacement in a difficult contest against Leicester City. However, the 2022-23 Championship season signified his real emergence. Ndiaye became a pivotal player in the team's promotion campaign, showcasing his capacity to alter the course of a match. He contributed 14 goals and 11 assists, a fantastic output that established him as one of the most thrilling talents outside the top flight. His inventive play and flair won over the Bramall Lane supporters.

A Dream Move and European Nights

His exceptional form in the Championship attracted significant attention. In August 2023, Ndiaye finalised a transfer to Olympique de Marseille, the team he had followed as a child, for a reported sum of approximately €17 million. Coming back to his former youth club was a personal milestone. During his tenure in Ligue 1, he played in 46 matches, netting four goals and creating three more. He also acquired important European experience, featuring prominently in Marseille's journey to the semi-final stage of the Europa League. The transfer marked a significant moment in his career, bringing him back to the senior stage of a historic French club.

Image Credit - by Irish Football Fan TV, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Answering the Call with Everton

Despite his emotional ties to Marseille, the appeal of England's top football league proved irresistible. In July 2024, Everton acquired his signature, bringing him back to the country in a transaction valued at around £20 million. He rapidly became a popular figure at Goodison Park, where his powerful running and technical prowess added a fresh dynamic to the team’s offence. His remarkable goal against Sunderland served as an emphatic declaration of his abilities and an early pinnacle of his time with Everton. The transfer solidified his standing as a premier talent and marked the culmination of a long, challenging ascent from the lower leagues.

Representing the Lions of Teranga

Ndiaye's progress at club level led to international honours. He first appeared for the Senegal national side on 4 June 2022. Later that year, his name was included in the roster for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. During Senegal's second group fixture against the host nation, he entered as a substitute and delivered a vital assist for Bamba Dieng's goal in a 3-1 win. He was then selected to start in the team’s decisive group match versus Ecuador and the round-of-16 clash with England. His presence on football’s grandest stage was a testament to his swift development.

The Harsh Reality of the Academy System

For every player like Iliman Ndiaye, there are innumerable others who fall short. Data indicates a severe rate of attrition within the English football academy structure. From the 1.5 million young men involved in organised football for youths, a mere 180 will ever receive a contract in the top division. Moreover, over 75 per cent of players from academies are let go between the ages of 13 and 16. This culling process can inflict serious damage on the mental health of these young people. Research has revealed that a considerable portion of released players experience clinical levels of psychological distress, including depression and anxiety, after their release.

The Psychological Toll of Rejection

The singular focus necessary for success within an academy setting often causes young players to form an "athletic identity," where their sense of self becomes inextricably tied to their footballing prowess. When this is suddenly removed, it can trigger a deep feeling of loss and disorientation. The pressure is enormous, and the support mechanisms for the individuals who are released have frequently been deemed insufficient. The emotional consequences can be enduring, impacting education, social maturation, and general wellness. This under-discussed issue underscores the critical need for improved pastoral support within professional football.

A New Generation of Hopefuls

Ndiaye’s story acts as a potent symbol of hope for young athletes charting their own courses. Aspiring players such as 20-year-old George Edwards and 18-year-old Kevar March-McKenzie view his journey as confirmation that rejection does not signify the end. Both have encountered obstacles; Kevar was released following a tryout with Coventry, and George was repeatedly told he lacked the necessary size. Now, they participate in exhibition matches for Rising Baller, performing before talent scouts with the aim of landing a deal with a professional club. Ndiaye’s achievement offers concrete proof that unconventional routes to the elite level are viable.

The Non-League Proving Ground

The journey from non-league football to the country's highest division is arduous, but it is one that others have navigated successfully. Figures like Jamie Vardy, who began at Stocksbridge Park Steels, and Michail Antonio of Tooting & Mitcham United, have become top-flight mainstays after developing their skills in the lower echelons. These examples challenge the prevailing belief that exclusive academies offer the sole path to a successful career. Non-league football imparts a different kind of education, founded on perseverance, diligence, and a sincere passion for the sport—qualities indispensable for any player with elite aspirations.

The Strength of Inner Conviction

Ndiaye's career serves as an ode to the strength that comes from perseverance. He held an unwavering conviction in his own talent, even when confronted by constant discouragement. This mental resilience was vital, particularly after one club bluntly informed his father about his perceived lack of professional potential. He advises young aspirants to concentrate on their development and not to fixate on being turned down, trusting that their efforts will ultimately bear fruit. His story demonstrates that talent can be overlooked and that steadfast dedication is often the decisive element, a powerful lesson for anyone pursuing a dream against formidable odds.

Defining the Modern 'Baller'

When prompted for his definition of a true "baller," Ndiaye highlights skill combined with effectiveness. In his view, it is not about impractical, flashy manoeuvres but the capacity to consistently overcome defenders and engineer scoring chances. His goal against Sunderland was a flawless demonstration of this principle. The dribble was breathtaking, but its true worth lay in the clinical finish that capped it off. Within England's most competitive league, where defenders are world-class, the capacity to convert skill into concrete results—goals and assists—is the great separator. It is this brand of ruthless productivity that Ndiaye pursues every time he plays.