Farewell Goodison Park: Everton Sign Off With 2–0 Win Over Southampton

Everton Close a 132-Year Chapter in Style at Historic Home.

After 132 years of memories, Everton’s iconic Goodison Park hosted its final men’s match on Saturday. And the script couldn’t have been better written. Iliman Ndiaye scored twice to secure a 2-0 win over Southampton in their last home game of the season and last at Goodison Park. Thus, closing this historic chapter with a touch of flair and a flood of emotions.

From the opening whistle, it was clear that the atmosphere was about much more than football. Fans lined the streets hours before kickoff and filled the stadium with chants, flares, and tears. It was a beautiful tribute to generations of shared memories at one of England’s most storied grounds.

"This club felt like, to me, one which was a big family, but looked broken, felt broken – and it doesn’t feel like that any more."

David Moyes addressed the Goodison crowd after today's win, as we look to the future at @EvertonStadium. 🔵https://t.co/yipoKf8hoK
— Everton (@Everton) May 18, 2025

Ndiaye lit up the Premier League clash with a stunning solo effort just six minutes in. He dribbled past Southampton defenders before placing the ball into the bottom corner. His second, came just before halftime. He collected a Dwight McNeil pass, dazzled Aaron Ramsdale with a quick shimmy, and slotted into an open net.

VAR confirmed his onside position, allowing Goodison’s faithful to erupt one final time. Southampton, already assured of a miserable finish, offered little resistance. Everton’s Beto had two goals ruled out for offside, and Abdoulaye Doucoure was subbed off in what could be his last appearance for the club.

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A Home Like No Other for Every Everton Faithful

Goodison Park has seen it all — from Dixie Dean’s record 60-goal season and Pele’s only World Cup loss to Eusebio’s brilliance in 1966 and Wayne Rooney’s teenage emergence. Goodison Park was Built in 1892 as England’s first purpose-built football stadium. Since then, its atmosphere has been unmatched — intense, unfiltered, and unrelenting.

For 39,201 Evertonians in attendance for the match against the Saints, the moment was both bittersweet. The last win at the stadium was both celebratory and full of sorrow. When Seamus Coleman and Ashley Young made their Goodison farewells, the stadium stood as a living museum of footballing soul.

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It wasn’t just for the attendees, but also for the locals and the club fans everywhere. While The stadium was going to be demolished, that plan has since been scratched off. The women’s team will now play there. Meanwhile, the men’s team will now move to the newly named Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.

The bright end of the tunnel is that Goodison will remain operational. The women’s side’s games will ensure that the Grand Old Lady’s heartbeat continues, just a little fainter. Everton may have outgrown their facilities, but the memories will remain. For 132 years, Goodison gave nothing but the best, staying true to their motto.

Everton

Everton vs Southampton

Goodison Park

Iliman Ndiaye

Premier League

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.