Iliman Ndiaye delivered a performance to remember on Sunday, scoring both goals in Everton’s 2-0 win over Southampton and writing his name into the history books as the final scorer at Goodison Park.
In a match charged with nostalgia and emotion, Ndiaye rose to the occasion, marking the club’s farewell to their home of 132 years with a decisive brace.
The Senegal international struck early and again just before half-time to secure all three points in a fixture that will forever be remembered by Everton supporters.
The occasion marked the last professional match ever played at Goodison Park, a ground that has hosted 2,327 matches since its opening in 1892.
With a move to the club’s new stadium on the horizon, this final home fixture offered one last chance for a player to become immortalised in Everton folklore.
That honour now belongs to Ndiaye. The 25-year-old, who joined the Toffees on 3 July 2024, wasted no time asserting himself.
In the sixth minute, he calmly slotted home the opening goal, immediately putting Everton in control and lifting the spirits of the home faithful.
His second came in first-half stoppage time (45+2), a composed finish that would ultimately prove to be the final goal ever scored at Goodison Park.
Ndiaye was substituted in the 75th minute to a standing ovation from the Everton crowd, a fitting tribute to the man who provided the decisive moments on such a momentous day.
Southampton, despite periods of possession and pressure, were unable to breach Everton’s defence.
The final whistle confirmed a 2-0 win for the hosts and drew the curtain on Goodison Park’s storied existence.
From Dixie Dean to Tim Cahill, the ground has seen countless icons and memories, and now Ndiaye’s contribution joins that cherished legacy.
Speaking after the match, Ndiaye was visibly emotional about his role in the historic occasion.
While he now holds the distinction of scoring the last goals at Goodison, his sights are already set on creating new history when Everton open the doors to their new stadium next season.
In a season of challenges and transitions, Ndiaye’s brace provided not only a vital win but also a perfect send-off to one of English football’s most iconic grounds.