Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye has written his name into the club’s history books after becoming the final player to score at Goodison Park, as the curtain prepares to fall on 132 years of football at the iconic ground.
The Senegal international struck twice in a 2-0 win over Southampton on the penultimate day of the Premier League season, ensuring that his name will forever be associated with the stadium that has served as Everton’s home since 1892.
The club is set to move to the newly constructed Everton Stadium, a 52,000-capacity waterfront venue that marks a new era for the Toffees.
Ndiaye, who joined Everton from Marseille, expressed pride in his historic feat following the match, telling Canal+: “Being the last player to score at Goodison Park, I won’t hide it, it was one of my wishes at the start of the season.”
His brace not only sealed a valuable victory for Everton but also brought a symbolic close to over a century of footballing tradition at one of England’s most storied grounds.
Goodison Park has hosted countless memorable moments, legendary players, and passionate supporters across generations. Ndiaye’s goals now stand as the final chapter in its long narrative.
The match itself held little bearing on the league standings, with Everton having secured their top-flight status in previous weeks, but it carried immense emotional weight for fans and players alike. A full house witnessed the final whistle at Goodison, aware they were part of a moment that will be recounted for decades to come.
Ndiaye, 24, delivered both goals with composure and conviction, showcasing the clinical finishing that had made him one of the team’s standout players this season.
His first goal came midway through the first half, a well-placed strike from just inside the box after a swift Everton build-up. He doubled the lead in the second half with a deft finish after a defensive error by Southampton, sealing the win and his place in club folklore.
The forward’s contribution was all the more poignant given the emotional atmosphere surrounding the match. Goodison Park has long been a cornerstone of the club’s identity, and while anticipation builds for the move to the state-of-the-art stadium on Bramley-Moore Dock, Sunday’s match served as a heartfelt farewell.
Ndiaye’s ambition doesn’t end with this milestone. He has now set his sights on being the first player to find the net at Everton’s new home, a goal that would cement his legacy at the club across both eras.
“It’s an honour to be part of this story,” Ndiaye added. “Now I want to be the first to score in the new stadium. That would be something very special.”
While many players dream of scoring goals that define seasons, Ndiaye’s brace will be remembered as one that defined an era.
Everton may be turning a page in its long history, but thanks to his performance, Iliman Ndiaye’s name will remain etched in the memories of supporters for generations to come.
