Everton star Iliman Ndiaye in action, David Moyes looking confused.

Iliman Ndiaye and David MoyesImago

Everton: Iliman Ndiaye makes niche World Cup history, David Moyes to breathe sigh of relief

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior sports journalist with experience at FanHub and the Sunderland Echo; Sunderland University graduate. FOCUS Transfer analysis and breaking news across the Breaking Media network. THE INSIGHT Josh utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, first-to-market transfer reporting. He provides the deal detail behind the headlines to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

Published on:

27 Jun 2026, 8:40 am

David Moyes will be delighted that Iliman Ndiaye is building confidence at the World Cup ahead of a return to Everton.

Or at least a potential return to Everton, given the fact that the Senegal star has been linked with an exit.

Nevertheless, Ndiaye had a fairly disappointing end to the campaign last time out, with the Toffees left hoping that he could rediscover his best form at the World Cup.

With three goal involvements in two appearances, he is certainly starting to move towards that, despite having played just 40 minutes of football for his country, and that will be a huge relief for Moyes.

He was a second-half substitute in the 5-0 win over Iran, grabbing a goal and an assist after coming off the bench on Friday.

And by doing so, the Everton star has made history, albeit some remarkably niche history.

Iliman Ndiaye's Senegal impact outlined

First and foremost, for him to be averaging a goal involvement for every 13 minutes played is quite spectacular.

And even more so given the fact that one of his three came in the defeat to France, in which he played just seven minutes.

He was handed 33 minutes against Iran, with five touches in the penalty area and five attempted dribbles, alongside his goal involvements.

1 - 🇸🇳 Iliman Ndiaye is the first player in FIFA World Cup history to come on as a substitute and then score a goal, assist a goal, have five touches in the opposition box and make five dribbles.

Impactful. pic.twitter.com/TPL1IqZQ5P
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 26, 2026

Niche is an understatement, but he became the first player in World Cup history to achieve all of those feats in a single game after coming on as a substitute.

Insider doesn't like what he's seen about Everton star Iliman Ndiaye - 'It's very strange'

Could Ndiaye leave Everton this summer?

Could he? Yes. Will he? Many would side with no.

While it was far from his best campaign last time out, he was still Everton's only real threat going forward, and they can't afford to lose that this summer.

That will be reflected in their asking price for the former Sheffield United and Marseille star, with Man United among those keen.

Ndiaye has three years left on his contract, showcasing how the Toffees are under no pressure to sell him anytime soon.

And taking that into account, most of the signs certainly point towards another season at Hill Dickinson.

Iliman Ndiaye