Everton star Iliman Ndiaye is happy to have created his own record with the Premier League side.
Everton left Goodison Park and moved to the Hill Dickinson Stadium last summer.
The Toffees’ last match at Goodison Park ended in a 2-0 win over Southampton in May 2025, and the Senegal international scored a brace.
In their first game at the new stadium, Everton sealed 2-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion. The France-born Senegal international scored the first goal, and James Gardner doubled the lead.
Senegal face France in the World Cup on Tuesday. Ahead of this clash, Ndiaye spoke to L’Equipe about several topics, including his growth in the UK.
The Everton star spent his youth career in France at Rouen Sapins, Rouen and Marseille between 2005 and 2012. He then joined Senegal side Dakar Sacré-Cœur and moved to England when Boreham Wood signed him for their academy in 2016.
Everton player feels at home in England
Iliman Ndiaye got his break when Sheffield United signed him in 2019 and his displays helped him secure a move to Marseille in 2023. He struggled at the Ligue 1 side and returned to England when Everton signed him permanently in July 2024.
The attacker has managed 17 goals and three assists from 71 matches for David Moyes’ side.
“I was even spotted by an organisation called Rising Ballers, which brings in technically gifted players to its team and then puts together skill sequences for YouTube,” he said.
“Furthermore, through a ‘Football and School’ programme, I found myself at a fifth division side, Boreham Wood, before going on to represent England in international tournaments: yes, I was an England schoolboy international.
“It was during this time that an agent spotted me and helped me sign with Sheffield United. Finally! I was achieving my goal: to become a professional. In England, no less.
“Obviously, I love English football. But I also feel at home in this country; I feel free here. My playing style is like my journey: free and unconventional. And they like that way of playing here.
“At Everton, in just two matches, I made history by being the last goalscorer at Goodison Park and the first at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Writing club history isn’t something everyone gets to do. I hadn’t really realised it, but since people keep talking about it… [Laughs].”
Opens door for Everton exit, but not now
Iliman Ndiaye’s contract lasts until 2029, and Transfermarkt value him at €55m.
Recently, he talked about his desire to return to Marseille at some point in the future. This is unlikely to happen this summer or in the near future because of his asking price.
David Moyes’ side would demand a hefty fee, which could be beyond his old club’s reach.