The way I play football gets people off their seats, says Iliman Ndiaye, a midfielder for Everton who recently captivated fans with a stunning goal against Sunderland. A combination of speed, skill, and perseverance has defined Ndiaye's career, which faced significant challenges before reaching the Premier League.
The Senegalese winger recounts his journey, highlighting how initiatives like Rising Ballers provided him with a platform to showcase his talent when larger clubs overlooked him. I wasn't doing what I was capable of at other clubs, but at Rising Ballers, I found my rhythm and love for the game, he explained.
Ndiaye's rise is a testament to hard work and a little bit of luck. After numerous rejections, including trials at prestigious teams like Chelsea and Tottenham, his breakthrough came after he joined Boreham Wood, followed by a successful stint at Sheffield United. It was during this time that Rising Ballers helped him stay fit and attract attention from scouts.
Now, his success story inspires many young players who face similar challenges. Kevar March-Mckenzie and George Edwards, both aspiring footballers, look up to Ndiaye, who serves as a role model proving that persistence can lead to professional success—even for those who start from humble beginnings.
Ndiaye encourages youths not to be disheartened by rejection, stating, Believe in your abilities, train hard, and seize every opportunity that comes your way. He aims to illustrate that there is a path to success outside traditional academy routes, especially for those who keep honing their skills and showcasing their talent through community support systems like Rising Ballers. His story highlights the potential impact of grassroots initiatives in shaping the future of sports.
The Senegalese winger recounts his journey, highlighting how initiatives like Rising Ballers provided him with a platform to showcase his talent when larger clubs overlooked him. I wasn't doing what I was capable of at other clubs, but at Rising Ballers, I found my rhythm and love for the game, he explained.
Ndiaye's rise is a testament to hard work and a little bit of luck. After numerous rejections, including trials at prestigious teams like Chelsea and Tottenham, his breakthrough came after he joined Boreham Wood, followed by a successful stint at Sheffield United. It was during this time that Rising Ballers helped him stay fit and attract attention from scouts.
Now, his success story inspires many young players who face similar challenges. Kevar March-Mckenzie and George Edwards, both aspiring footballers, look up to Ndiaye, who serves as a role model proving that persistence can lead to professional success—even for those who start from humble beginnings.
Ndiaye encourages youths not to be disheartened by rejection, stating, Believe in your abilities, train hard, and seize every opportunity that comes your way. He aims to illustrate that there is a path to success outside traditional academy routes, especially for those who keep honing their skills and showcasing their talent through community support systems like Rising Ballers. His story highlights the potential impact of grassroots initiatives in shaping the future of sports.
