Iliman Ndiaye was sent a message by his wife after his performance in Everton’s last game. The Blues forward has been in good form this season with nine goals across all competitions.
Ndiaye returned to the Everton side last week in the Merseyside derby with a substitute appearance. He had not been available to play for David Moyes’s side since picking up an ankle injury in the last Merseyside derby at Goodison Park in February.
Ndiaye started for the first time since his injury on Saturday afternoon in the blues’ match at Goodison Park against Arsenal. Everton went a goal down in the first half but were awarded a penalty early in the second half, which Ndiaye scored.
The draw leaves Everton in 15th place, 15 points clear of the relegation zone. Ndiaye’s efforts delighted his wife Ioana Ndiaye, who was watching from the stands.
Ioana posted a series of pictures from the match in her latest Instagram post. Ioana held aloft the couple’s youngest child, who was born last December.
In the accompanying caption, Ndiaye said: “Match days are always better when daddy scores.” She added a blue heart emoji. She also shared footage of her enjoying the hospitality seating at Goodison and rewatching her husband’s goal.
Ioana was supported by Everton fans in the comments section following the update. One said: “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a player so cool before taking a penalty.
“It was so good seeing him back on the pitch. Hope you and your children had a fabulous day.” Another said: “We love him, he’s a blue for life now.” A third person added: “So glad he’s back.” A fourth said: “They are the best days when he scores.”
Ioana regularly posts on her personal Instagram page to 58,000 followers on the platform. The couple have three children together. In an update shared earlier this month, Ioana shared a picture of the children.
In the accompanying caption, Iona said: “My little ones, my whole world. Being your mum is the greatest gift of all and the greatest thing I’ll ever do.”
It’s been a busy time for the family with Ndiaye celebrating his 25th birthday last month and the family travelling to Dubai in what was her baby’s first holiday abroad.
Ioana appears to be enjoying life on Merseyside. In a post from December 2024, she shared a series of pictures of her family including one of her and her daughter watching an Everton game at Goodison Park.
There were also images of the family enjoying a fairground ride together. In the accompanying caption, Ioana said: “Loving this little life of ours.”