Ndiaye returns to Real Madrid after his stint in the NBA

Real Madrid has made the return of Eli John Ndiaye official, who is rejoining the club after his adventure in the American league. The Spanish forward born in Senegal has signed a contract that binds him to the Madrid entity until the end of the 2027-28 season, thus closing a chapter that began just a year ago when he decided to try his luck in the NBA.

A return home after the experience in the United States

Ndiaye leaves the NBA after a season marked by physical complications. The player signed with the Atlanta Hawks under a two-way agreement that allowed him to also play for the College Park Skyhawks in the G League. However, a labrum tear thwarted his debut plans in the American competition. The injury required surgical intervention and kept him off the courts for the rest of the season, preventing him from getting significant minutes in the NBA. His only competitive activity was limited to games played in the G League with the Hawks' affiliate team.

After this experience, the return to Real Madrid represents an opportunity for Ndiaye to regain regularity and resume his progression in an environment he knows perfectly. The white club believes the forward can bring his defensive versatility and energy to the power forward position in the coming years.

A successful trajectory in Madrid basketball

Ndiaye is a product of Real Madrid's academy. He joined the white academy in 2017 at just 13 years old and has experienced all his basketball development within the Madrid facilities. His progression was constant, going through the club's different categories until establishing himself in the first team in the senior category.

Between 2021 and 2025, Ndiaye played four seasons with Real Madrid in the top category, a period in which he accumulated a record of eight titles. The forward won a EuroLeague, the most prestigious competition in Europe, along with three Spanish leagues, a Copa del Rey, and three Spanish Super Cups. These achievements reflect the team's competitive level during those years and Ndiaye's importance in the Madrid project.

Expectations and objectives of the return

With his return, Real Madrid aims for Ndiaye to regain the level he showed before his departure. The player represents a versatile defensive profile, capable of playing in the power forward position, providing height and energy in both phases of the game. In a familiar environment, where he already knows the work system, teammates, and club structure, adaptation should be easier than in the NBA.

The contract until 2028 reflects Real Madrid's confidence in his potential and the possibility that he will contribute significantly in the coming years. The white entity is betting on giving the Spanish forward a second chance, who will have the responsibility of proving that his time in the NBA, despite the setbacks, has allowed him to grow as a player.

A continuity project in European basketball

Ndiaye's return to Real Madrid is part of the club's strategy to maintain competitiveness in national and international competitions. The addition of a player with NBA experience, albeit brief, adds a differential value to the team. Ndiaye arrives with the mindset of someone who has competed at the highest level and with the desire to contribute to Real Madrid's goals in the EuroLeague and the Spanish league.

For the player, this is a chance for redemption. After his debut in the NBA was thwarted by injury, the return to Madrid marks a turning point in his career. In a club where he has already won significant titles and where he has the support of the organization, Ndiaye will have the necessary platform to regain confidence and prove he remains a valuable asset for elite Spanish basketball.

This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Ndiaye regresa al Real Madrid tras su paso por la NBA