Iliman Ndiaye

Iliman Ndiaye is a Senegal forward whose close control changes an attack. He can receive near the touchline, draw a defender towards him and carry the ball into space. His feints buy another angle for a pass or shot, rather than simply decorating a move.

His route to senior football crossed several countries. Born in Rouen, France, he spent part of his youth in Marseille and Dakar before joining Boreham Wood in England. Sheffield United signed him in 2019. He reached the professional game through a non-league academy rather than a major club's youth system.

At Sheffield United, the 2022/23 Championship season was his breakthrough. Ndiaye helped the Blades win promotion to the Premier League and was named their Player of the Year. He also made the Championship Team of the Year. His ball carrying offered a route forward when passing lanes narrowed.

He moved to Marseille in August 2023, then returned to England when Everton signed him in July 2024. At Everton he played largely from the left in his first season before taking on more work from the right. He explained that the switch changed when he could attack space, dribble or arrive at the far post. It changed how he found chances, not just his starting position.

Ndiaye also treats defending as part of a forward's job: chasing the ball and helping push his team up the pitch. He can play across the front line, but his distinctive pattern is controlling the ball in a crowded area before changing direction. From the opposite flank, he has looked for runs into the box as well as chances to beat a marker.

For Senegal, Ndiaye started the 2022 World Cup round-of-16 match against England. In January 2026 he scored the only goal of Senegal's Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final against Mali, sending the team into the semi-finals.

Manchester City signed him from Everton in September 2026. His first City appearance came as a starter in a Premier League win over Coventry. Across different leagues and roles, his recurring skill has been keeping the ball close enough to invite pressure, then changing direction to make room for the next action.

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Iliman Ndiaye currently plays for Manchester City as a left winger. He has represented Senegal internationally.