This Sunday the sports world says goodbye to one of the most iconic locations of football. The house of Everton Football Club since 1892, Goodison Park, will organize the last game for the first team of men. From hosting Pele’s Brazil to someone who zerns to the target post-we look back on some of the most iconic moments that Goodison made so special.
A stadium of scoops
Goodison Park became a real pioneer in English football.
- First specially built football stadium in England (1892)
- First English club stadium visited by a ruling monarch (1913)
- First to introduce dugouts (1931)
- First stadium with two levels on all sides (1938)
- First to introduce Underanily Heating (1958)
- First electronic scoreboard in England (1971)
Goodison Park was largely designed by Archibald Leitch, whose trademark Criss-Cross Steelwork became iconic. That design, synonymous with Goodison, is subtly included in the new Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium.
Iconic moments
Dixie Dean
A statue of William “Dixie” Dean is proudly outside of Goodison Park – a suitable tribute to the man who scored 60 league goals in the 1927/28 season, a record that still stands. Unfortunately, he died in the Box of the Goodison director during a Merseyside Derby, after he had lived and inhaled the club until the end. Like many Everton Greats, his ashes were spread across the halfway line.
World Cup 1966
Goodison Park was one of the most important locations during the World Cup 1966:
Pelé’s Brazil was eliminated after a bruising match at Goodison. Brazilian fans were seen Crying in the streets of Liverpool after the game.
Eusébio led Portugal to an epic 5–3 comeback against North Korea and scored four goals. The Benfica -legend later said:
“Goodison Park is the best stadium in my life for me.”
That Bayern Munich Game
The second half of the 1980s marked Everton’s Golden Age under the Late Howard Kendall.
The striking moment came in 1985, when Goodison was electric when Everton returned from 0-1 to beat Bayern Munich 3-1 in the semi-final of the European Cup winners’ Cup. As a result, many Evertonians consider that game as one of the best in the history of the stadium. Everton lifted the trophy in Rotterdam and defeated Rapid Wien 3-1.
“Remember the name …”
In 2002, a 16-year-old Wayne Rooney announced to the world with a stunning late winner against Arsenal in Goodison Park.
Sir Alex Ferguson, who would later sign him for Manchester United, said famous:
“It is always a nightmare there … The atmosphere is fantastic.”
Goodison Park has been the setting for some of Everton’s most nail biting survival stories:
- 1994: Barry Horne’s Thunderbolt and a dramatic 3-2 comeback against Wimbledon held Everton on the last day.
- 1998: A tense 1–1 draw with Coventry City insured survival on goal difference, with fans glued on radios for other results.
- 2022: The late header of Dominic Calvert-Lewin sealed a comeback victory against Crystal Palace.
- 2023: The strike of Abdoulaye Doucouré again caused the Premier League status.
With the switch to the new stadium, Everton hopes to leave this relegation forever.
The fans
Evertonians are what Goodison really made special. While the stadium may close, the heart of Everton – the fans – will remain.
While they enjoy a last pint in their favorite pub, scan their tickets, walk through the tourniquets and hear “Z-Cars” ringing at Goodison one last time, they carry the spirit of the club with them.
The future of Goodison
While the men’s team is moving to Bramley-Moore Dock, Goodison Park starts a new chapter such as the permanent home of Everton women from the 2025–26 season. This historic step will make Goodison the largest special women’s football stadium in the UK.
Upgrades will modernize the land and retain its character. It will also organize Academy competitions and serve as a hub for Everton in the community initiatives. Captain Megan Finnigan described the move as:
“A game changer for women’s football and a proud moment for the club.”
Fans who long for nostalgia get the chance to attend women’s games in the coming years. Parents who hope that their children or grandchildren can experience will see the inheritance kept. Hopefully this step protects the history of the club and helps women football grow nationally.
A new home
This Sunday, the last game of the men’s team in Goodison Park marks. Although it is a bittersweet farewell, the new stadium in Bramley-Moore Dock offers hope and excitement. It can take time for fans to adjust, but there is strong confidence in the club that this will be a different iconic home.
As Evertonians remind the memories of Goodison, this is the time to create new ones in what hopefully will be a new chapter for the club.
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