Idrissa Gana Gueye has offered high praise for Iliman Ndiaye, describing the young forward as one of Senegal’s brightest prospects and urging him to emulate the country’s most iconic footballers to fulfil his potential.
Speaking to Canal+, Gueye, who currently plays for Everton in the English Premier League, was full of admiration for the progress Ndiaye has made and the qualities he brings to the national setup.
With 125 caps for Senegal, Gueye is one of the most experienced figures in the country’s football history and a respected voice in the dressing room.
His endorsement of Ndiaye carries significant weight as the next generation of Senegalese players looks to build on the success of their predecessors.
“Iliman is like a little brother,” Gueye said. “He’s always listening, always working hard. He has the technical skill and physical strength to go very far.
What he needs now is to stay focused and take inspiration from those who have led by example.”
The midfielder singled out Sadio Mané as the ideal role model for Ndiaye. Mané, widely regarded as one of Africa’s finest players, boasts a glittering career that includes a Premier League title, UEFA Champions League triumph, and the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations victory with Senegal. He was also a finalist for the Ballon d’Or, cementing his place among football’s elite.
“Sadio gave everything for Senegal,” Gueye added. “He won the biggest trophies, played at the highest level in Europe, and brought pride to the entire nation.
If Iliman wants to reach that level, he should look at the path Sadio took – the sacrifice, the work, and the love for his country.”
Ndiaye, who has been making a name for himself with his dynamic performances and sharp attacking instincts, has increasingly drawn attention at both club and international level.
His combination of flair and commitment has not gone unnoticed, and Gueye’s comments underline the growing belief within the national camp that the forward could become a cornerstone of Senegalese football in the years ahead.
As Senegal looks toward future continental and global tournaments, players like Ndiaye will be expected to step up and take the mantle from veterans such as Gueye.
The transition is already under way, but Gueye’s support suggests that the team’s leadership is committed to guiding the new generation through that process with both encouragement and accountability.
Gueye, known for his tireless work ethic and disciplined midfield presence, has long championed the importance of role models in African football.
His emphasis on mentoring younger teammates like Ndiaye reflects a broader ambition: to ensure that the legacy of Senegal’s footballing rise does not fade but evolves into sustained excellence.
With such backing from one of Senegal’s most trusted figures, Iliman Ndiaye now has both the spotlight and the responsibility.
Whether he can follow in the footsteps of legends like Mané remains to be seen, but the foundation has been laid for him to reach those heights.
As Gueye put it, “The talent is there. What matters now is how far he’s willing to push himself to become great.”
