Iliman Ndiaye, an Everton midfielder, recently scored a goal against Sunderland. His professional football career followed an unconventional trajectory, marked by initial rejections from various clubs before reaching the Premier League.
Career Progression
Ndiaye faced rejections from clubs including Chelsea and Tottenham. He underwent a six-week trial with Southampton's development team but was not signed. In 2017, he signed with Boreham Wood, a club in the fifth tier of English football. Following this, he undertook a trial at Sheffield United and was subsequently signed by the club at the age of 19.
Prior to joining Sheffield United, Ndiaye utilized Rising Ballers, a media brand focused on showcasing unsigned talent through grassroots initiatives. He stated that participating in their programs helped him maintain fitness and engagement with football during periods without a club.
The Role of Rising Ballers
Rising Ballers operates by featuring players on social media platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. The organization also collaborates with brands on campaigns and hosts showcase events to increase player visibility. Rising Ballers reports that more than 15 players they have featured have gone on to sign professional contracts, including Jerome Richards (Derby County) and Mohamed Keita (Wycombe Wanderers).
Challenges in Youth Football
Data indicates that approximately 180 out of 1.5 million boys participating in organized youth football in England will eventually play in the Premier League. Ndiaye's experience involved being told by a team that he would not succeed professionally. He attributes his persistence to belief in his abilities and the expectation that consistent training would yield results.
Player Perspectives and Inspiration
Two young footballers, 18-year-old Kevar March-Mckenzie and 20-year-old George Edwards, have participated in Rising Ballers showcase games, which involve grassroots players performing for scouts in London. Kevar was rejected by Coventry after a three-week trial at 16. George played in junior squads for Arsenal, Tottenham, and Queens Park Rangers but was reportedly told he was "too small" from ages 13-14. Both players identify Ndiaye as a figure who demonstrates the possibility of achieving a professional career despite initial setbacks or not progressing through traditional academy systems.
Ndiaye achieved a professional contract at 19 years old.
Academy Pathways vs. Alternative Routes
Academies are a primary route into professional football. A report by the Premier League's Elite Performance Plan indicates that over 11% of its top-level academy graduates play at least 20 professional league games. The English Football League also notes an increase in homegrown academy players within its teams.
Ndiaye acknowledges that while academies provide a structured pathway, individuals not in academies must maintain focus and discipline comparable to academy players to maximize their opportunities. He credits his time at Rising Ballers with contributing to his professional development after multiple rejections.
Regarding his playing style, Ndiaye focuses on both dribbling skills and tangible outcomes such as goals and assists, acknowledging the competitive nature of Premier League defending. He defines "skills" in football as effective dribbling that can bypass multiple opponents.