This Sunday, the sporting world says goodbye to one of football’s most iconic venues. Everton Football Club’s home since 1892, Goodison Park, will host its final men’s first-team match. From hosting Pele’s Brazil to someone zip-tying themselves to the goalpost – we look back at some of the most iconic moments that made Goodison so special.
Embed from Getty ImagesA Stadium of Firsts
Goodison Park became a true pioneer in English football.
- First Purpose-Built Football Stadium in England (1892)
- First English Club Stadium Visited by a Reigning Monarch (1913)
- First to Introduce Dugouts (1931)
- First Stadium with Two Tiers on All Sides (1938)
- First to Introduce Undersoil 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, has been subtly incorporated in the new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium.
Iconic Moments
Dixie Dean
Embed from Getty ImagesA statue of William “Dixie” Dean stands proudly outside Goodison Park – a fitting tribute to the man who scored 60 league goals in the 1927/28 season, a record that still stands. Sadly, he passed away in the Goodison Directors’ Box during a Merseyside Derby, having lived and breathed the club to the very end. Like many Everton greats, his ashes were scattered on the halfway line.
1966 World Cup
Embed from Getty ImagesGoodison Park was one of the key venues during the 1966 World Cup:
Pelé’s Brazil were 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, scoring four goals. The Benfica legend later said:
“Goodison Park is, for me, the best stadium in my life.”
That Bayern Munich Game
Embed from Getty ImagesThe second half of the 1980s marked Everton’s golden era under the late Howard Kendall.
The standout moment came in 1985, when Goodison was electric as Everton returned from 0-1 down to beat Bayern Munich 3–1 in the European Cup Winners’ Cup semi-final. As a result, many Evertonians regard that game as one of the best in the stadium’s history. Everton went on to lift the trophy in Rotterdam, beating Rapid Wien 3-1.
“Remember the Name…”
Embed from Getty ImagesIn 2002, a 16-year-old Wayne Rooney announced himself to the world with a stunning late winner against Arsenal at Goodison Park.
Sir Alex Ferguson, who would later sign him for Manchester United, famously said:
“It is always a nightmare going there… the atmosphere is fantastic.”
Relegation Escapes
Embed from Getty ImagesGoodison 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 kept Everton up on the final day.
- 1998: A tense 1–1 draw with Coventry City secured survival on goal difference, with fans glued to radios for other results.
- 2022: Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s late header sealed a comeback win against Crystal Palace.
- 2023: Abdoulaye Doucouré’s strike against Bournemouth again ensured Premier League status.
With the move to the new stadium, Everton hopes to leave behind these relegation escapes for good.
The Fans
Embed from Getty ImagesEvertonians are what made Goodison truly special. While the stadium may be closing, the heart of Everton—the fans—will remain.
As they enjoy a final pint at their favourite pub, scan their tickets, walk through the turnstiles and hear “Z-Cars” ring out at Goodison one last time, they carry the club’s spirit with them.
The Future of Goodison
Embed from Getty ImagesAs the men’s team moves to Bramley-Moore Dock, Goodison Park will begin a new chapter as the permanent home of Everton Women starting in the 2025–26 season. This historic move will make Goodison the UK’s largest dedicated women’s football stadium.
Upgrades will modernise the ground while preserving its character. It will also host Academy matches 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 longing for nostalgia will have the chance to attend women’s games in the years ahead. Parents hoping their children or grandchildren can experience Goodison will see the legacy preserved. Hopefully, this move will protect the club’s history and help grow women’s football nationally.
A New Home
Embed from Getty ImagesThis Sunday marks the men’s team’s final match at Goodison Park. Though it’s a bittersweet farewell, the new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock offers hope and excitement. It may take time for fans to adjust, but there is strong confidence throughout the club that this will become another iconic home.
As Evertonians remember the memories made at Goodison, now is the time to create new ones in what will hopefully be a fresh chapter for the club.
Been going to Goodison now for just over 50 years. Amazing ground. Can’t wait to move into Bramley Moore Dock.