A “minot” back on the Canebière. Passed by Olympique de Marseille in his youth, Iliman Ndiaye is officially returning to the Marseille club.
At 23, the Senegalese international (seven caps) joined OM. Iliman Ndiaye thus finds a city and a club that he knows well since this young striker, who played in the last World Cup in Qatar, wore the blue and white jersey in his youth during the 2011-2012 season.
Then left for England, it was in Sheffield that this native of Rouen (76) revealed himself. In 88 games with the Blades, this versatile striker – rather axial but who can play lower – scored 22 goals and delivered 14 assists.
It was really last season that this Senegalese revealed himself. Iliman Ndiaye finished as Sheffield United’s top scorer (14 goals) and top assist provider (ten assists), earning him the club supporters’ vote of player of the season and a place in the Championship team.
Shortly before the announcement of his arrival in Marseille, the Olympian striker sent a message to Sheffield fans on Instagram. “I was only 18 when I arrived at the club, full of hope and with the desire to show people who trusted me what I was capable of, explains Iliman Ndiaye in a long text accompanied by several Pictures. Four years later, when I look back, I feel particularly proud of all that we have achieved, and of having put this club back where it should be, in the Premier League.