Iliman Ndiaye Emerges as a Contender Among African Elites as CAF Nomination Rolls In
Iliman Ndiaye’s rise at Everton is finally beginning to earn the recognition it deserves — and it’s not just from within the Premier League. The Senegalese midfielder, who has been quietly brilliant this season, is now competing with some of the biggest names in world football, including Mohamed Salah, for one of the continent’s highest individual honours.
The 25-year-old has been shortlisted for the prestigious CAF African Player of the Year award, a significant nod to his stellar form and growing influence on both the domestic and international stage. He joins an elite list of nominees that includes global superstars such as Egypt and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, PSG full-back Achraf Hakimi, Napoli’s talisman Victor Osimhen, Tottenham Hotspur’s emerging talent Pape Matar Sarr, and Borussia Dortmund’s in-form striker Serhou Guirassy.
Ndiaye Impressing Despite Position Shift
Since the start of the season, Ndiaye has arguably been one of Everton’s standout performers, quietly doing the hard work and making an impact despite being played out of position. Often deployed on the right flank — not his natural role — he has still managed to contribute significantly with four goal involvements so far this campaign. That tally is just one behind teammate Jack Grealish, whose high-profile loan move has captured most of the media attention.
While Grealish’s flair might draw headlines, those closely watching Everton’s games can see that Ndiaye has consistently delivered strong performances, especially in key fixtures. His recent display against Manchester City, highlighted by his Sofascore ratings, showcased both his technical ability and work ethic — attributes that have made him a fan favourite at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Senegal Success Bolsters Recognition
On the international front, Ndiaye’s role in Senegal’s qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has only added to his growing reputation. His performances have helped solidify Senegal’s place among Africa’s top footballing nations, and this CAF nomination is a testament to that contribution.
Despite strong links to a potential move away from Everton during the summer transfer window, Ndiaye stayed put and is now reaping the rewards. His decision to remain with the Toffees has arguably been a turning point in his career, allowing him to grow into a key player under the club’s current setup.
Can Ndiaye Realistically Win the CAF Award?
While the nomination is a major milestone for Ndiaye, the chances of him actually taking home the CAF African Player of the Year award remain slim — not due to a lack of talent, but rather the fierce competition he faces.
Mohamed Salah, for instance, enjoyed another stellar season with Liverpool, capped off by a Premier League title and a top-four finish in the Ballon d’Or rankings. Hakimi, meanwhile, played a pivotal role in Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League victory and placed sixth in the Ballon d’Or race. These accomplishments naturally elevate them above Ndiaye in terms of international profile and silverware.
Historically, Everton have not had strong representation in this award. The closest a Toffees player has come to winning it was in 1995 when Daniel Amokachi finished third. To date, no Everton player has lifted the trophy, and it’s unlikely that this year will break that streak — but Ndiaye’s inclusion in such a high-calibre list marks a personal and professional breakthrough nonetheless.
What the Future Holds for Iliman Ndiaye
While this year’s award may be just out of reach, Ndiaye’s nomination signals that he’s firmly on the radar. If he maintains or improves upon his current form, particularly if he helps Everton climb the Premier League table or guides Senegal to success in upcoming international competitions, he could very well find himself in serious contention for future accolades.
For now, though, his CAF nomination stands as a major vote of confidence in his abilities and trajectory. Everton fans can take pride in watching one of Africa’s rising stars making his mark — and the footballing world is starting to take notice too.