Everton Star Iliman Ndiaye Makes Bold Sadio Mané Statement Four Years After Liverpool Exit

Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye has drawn direct comparisons to former Liverpool icon Sadio Mané, naming him among the world's top three players alongside Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland. This bold endorsement comes amid swirling transfer rumors linking the Senegalese star to a shock move to Liverpool, Everton's fierce rivals[1][5].

Ndiaye, who joined Everton from Marseille in July 2024 on a five-year deal, has quickly become a fan favorite at Goodison Park—now transitioning to Hill Dickinson Stadium. He etched his name into club history by scoring Everton's final goals at Goodison with a brace in a 2-0 win over Southampton on May 18, 2025, earning Man of the Match honors. Just months later, on August 24, he netted the Toffees' first Premier League goal at their new home, securing another 2-0 victory against Brighton & Hove Albion[2].

The 25-year-old's rapid rise mirrors Mané's explosive impact during his Liverpool tenure from 2016 to 2022, where the Senegalese forward helped deliver a Premier League title, Champions League, and multiple domestic cups. Ndiaye, like Mané, brings blistering pace, dribbling flair, and goal-scoring prowess from the right wing. Both share Senegalese heritage, with Ndiaye following in Mané's footsteps internationally—scoring his first Lions of Teranga goal in a 5-1 rout of Mozambique in 2023 AFCON qualifiers and contributing assists and goals at the 2023 tournament[2][4].

Mané, now 33 and playing for Al Nassr, recently hinted at retirement after captaining Senegal to a dramatic second AFCON triumph over Morocco. Post-match, he praised the next generation, explicitly naming "Iliman (Ndiaye)" as a key successor alongside Ibrahim Mbaye and Ismaïla Sarr, signaling a passing of the torch[4].

Liverpool's interest in Ndiaye fuels speculation of a controversial "shock Everton transfer raid," potentially reigniting Merseyside Derby tensions. Ndiaye's admiration for Mané—"one of my top three players in the world"—adds poetic intrigue, as the Everton ace idolizes the man who terrorized their defense for years[1][5]. With his contract until 2029, any move would command a hefty fee, but Ndiaye's form suggests he's ready for Anfield's spotlight—or beyond.

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