Everton marked the final Premier League men’s match at their historic Goodison Park stadium with a comfortable 2-0 victory over relegated Southampton on Sunday, May 18, 2025, amidst a day charged with emotion. Iliman Ndiaye scored both goals as supporters paid tribute to the 133-year-old ground before the club’s senior men’s team transitions to a new arena at Bramley Moore Dock, to be known as the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Thousands of fans congregated around Goodison Park hours before kick-off, creating a vibrant and poignant atmosphere for the farewell. Everton’s performance matched the occasion, with Iliman Ndiaye delivering a standout display. He opened the scoring in the sixth minute with a composed low finish. After teammate Beto had two goals correctly ruled out for offside, Ndiaye struck again in first-half stoppage time, skilfully rounding Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale to double the Toffees’ lead.
The second half proceeded in a more testimonial-like atmosphere, though Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was called upon to make a superb late save from a Cameron Archer effort, preserving the clean sheet. The victory continues the notable improvement Everton have demonstrated under manager David Moyes, who succeeded Sean Dyche in January.
The match was punctuated by several emotional farewells. Club captain Seamus Coleman, a £60,000 signing in January 2009, was given a rapturous reception by the home crowd during his 17 minutes on the pitch. Veteran Ashley Young also made his final Everton appearance at Goodison Park, while midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure, another player expected to depart, was visibly moved when he was substituted to a standing ovation in the second half. Ndiaye, too, received a significant ovation, with supporters hopeful he will be a key figure under Moyes and the club’s new American owners, the Friedkin Group.
While the men’s team will relocate, Goodison Park will continue to serve as the home ground for Everton’s women’s team.
For Southampton, already consigned to the Championship, the match was another fixture to conclude a difficult season. Despite a lack of cutting edge, their travelling fans were present in large numbers and remained supportive. The club now faces a significant rebuild, with former Lens manager Will Still reportedly linked with their managerial vacancy.
Everton’s win provided a fitting and celebratory conclusion to the men’s senior team era at Goodison Park, closing a significant chapter in the club’s storied history as they look towards a new future.
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