Iliman Ndiaye scores twice in Everton's final game at Goodison Park

Ndiaye shines as Everton beat Southampton 2-0 in emotional farewell at historic Goodison Park.

Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Premier League match at Goodison Park in Liverpool on May 18, 2025. Photo by Martin Rickett/PA Images

By Amanda Zahra and Widya Putri

Everton bid an emotional farewell to their iconic Goodison Park home with a memorable 2-0 Premier League victory over Southampton on Sunday, as Iliman Ndiaye scored twice to cement his name in the club's history. "Iliman Ndiaye scores twice in Everton's final game" resonating on and off the pitch, the Toffees ensured their last men's match at the 132-year-old stadium ended in celebration.

The Senegal international, a standout performer in his debut season, opened the scoring in the sixth minute and added a second just before halftime, lifting the spirits of the thousands who had gathered in and around the stadium for one final matchday. Everton will relocate to a new 52,000-capacity ground in Liverpool’s docklands next season, while Goodison will become the new home of the club’s women’s team.

A farewell wrapped in nostalgia and pride

The streets surrounding Goodison Park were painted in blue long before kickoff, as supporters gathered en masse, filling the air with acrid smoke and echoes of club chants. This wasn’t just a football match—it was a farewell steeped in memories, identity, and hope for the future. The result, a 2-0 victory over already-relegated Southampton, was almost a footnote to the emotional weight of the day.

Everton manager David Moyes, back at the helm during this symbolic fixture, emphasized the importance of ending the Goodison era on a high note.

"I'm pleased for the result. I wanted to make sure we finished right," Moyes said, reflecting on a performance that symbolized both an ending and a new beginning.

Legends in attendance for Everton farewell match

Club greats including Wayne Rooney, Duncan Ferguson, and Graeme Sharp joined the Goodison faithful to witness a final moment of glory at the historic ground. For generations, Goodison Park had served as the heart of Everton Football Club—a site of triumphs, heartbreaks, and unyielding passion.

Once the site of league dominance, with nine top-flight titles to its name, Everton have struggled in recent decades. The last major trophy came more than 30 years ago. Yet, the club's roots and history remain strong, offering a foundation as it turns a new chapter.

Ndiaye rises to the occasion in Everton's send-off

Central to the day’s triumph was Iliman Ndiaye, whose brace ensured a fitting farewell in the club’s 2,791st match at Goodison Park. The 25-year-old has quickly become a fan favorite, and his contribution on Sunday highlighted the impact he could have in shaping Everton’s future.

Ndiaye’s first goal came just six minutes into the match, curling a precise shot into the bottom corner to ignite celebrations across Merseyside. His second, just before halftime, saw him glide past Aaron Ramsdale with confidence before calmly finishing for his 11th goal of the campaign.

Despite two disallowed goals from Beto for offside, the scoreline never felt under threat. Southampton, who had managed a 0-0 draw against Manchester City just a week earlier, offered little resistance in what was their final Premier League match after relegation.

Moyes praises club and fans in emotional post-match remarks

After the match, Moyes paid tribute to both the supporters and the club’s storied past, expressing hope that the spirit of Goodison Park would travel with them to the new stadium.

"The scenes outside the stadium were incredible. It is a club that is needing some big days, a big future. Let's hope this is the start of it," he said. "If we can take what we had today to the new stadium, it will be something."

For Everton, this match wasn't just about securing a routine win—it was about preserving a legacy. The club’s survival in the Premier League and the promise of new ownership under the Friedkin Group offer a cautious optimism for supporters who have endured several relegation battles in recent years.

Financial troubles, but faith in the future

Off the pitch, Everton have been plagued by financial instability. Years of mismanagement and costly transfers saw the club docked points earlier in the season. Despite these troubles, the team managed to secure safety and now look toward a fresh start at their waterfront home.

The new stadium promises modern amenities, increased revenue, and renewed ambition, but Moyes and his players understand that nostalgia and emotion cannot be manufactured.

Goodison Park, often referred to as the "Grand Old Lady" by fans, has stood as a fortress through war, economic downturns, and the rise of the modern football era. Sunday's farewell marked the end of an era, but also the beginning of a hopeful new chapter.

A game that will live in memory

While the second half offered little in terms of drama, the game’s historical significance ensured it will be remembered for generations. Fans stayed long after the final whistle, soaking in their final moments inside the walls of the only home most of them have ever known.

For Iliman Ndiaye, scoring twice in Everton's final game at Goodison Park may have felt like destiny. For supporters, it was a gift—a reminder that, while stadiums may change, the spirit of a football club lives on in its people.

As Everton prepare for their move, they carry with them the echoes of Goodison Park—the joy, the sorrow, the history, and now, the hope.