Godwin ObajeEverton’s Emotional Farewell to Goodison Park: Former Stars, Fans, and Tributes Reflect on a Legendary Era
By Tom Procter
In a heartfelt moment of reflection and nostalgia, Everton Football Club said its final goodbyes to Goodison Park on Sunday, May 18, 2025. The Toffees’ emotional departure marked the end of an era at the iconic ground, which has served as their home for an incredible 133 years. This historic farewell follows the club’s decision to relocate to the state-of-the-art Hill Dickinson Stadium, situated at Bramley-Moore Dock in Liverpool.
The closure of Goodison Park has not only sparked an outpouring of emotions from Everton fans but has also brought messages of tribute from former players, managers, and figures associated with the club’s illustrious history. As the Toffees now look ahead to a new chapter, the emotional weight of the move weighs heavily on both the club and its supporters, with the memories and stories of Goodison Park etched in the hearts of all who experienced its unique atmosphere.
The Farewell
For over a century, Goodison Park has been the beating heart of Everton Football Club, a place where countless unforgettable moments have unfolded on the pitch. From league victories and cup triumphs to the unwavering support of fans through thick and thin, Goodison has witnessed it all. It is no surprise that when the final whistle blew at the end of Everton’s last match at the historic ground, tears were shed by many, with the stands filled with emotion and reverence for the iconic venue.
In a symbolic act of remembrance, fans took to social media, sharing personal tributes to the ground that had become a second home for generations. One fan, speaking of their experience, said, “Goodison Park has always felt like a family to me. It’s not just a stadium – it’s the memories, the laughter, the tears, and the atmosphere. I will forever treasure my time here.”
The official matchday programme for the final game featured messages from club officials, players, and former legends, reflecting on the significance of the occasion. Among those to express their heartfelt gratitude was James Rodriguez, the Colombian playmaker who graced the pitch for Everton between 2020 and 2022. His time at Goodison Park, though brief, left a lasting impression on fans, who still fondly remember his technical brilliance and his impact on the team.
James Rodriguez’s Tribute to Goodison Park
Rodriguez, who is currently playing for a club in the Middle East after leaving Everton, took to Instagram to share his thoughts on the closing of the iconic stadium. In a simple yet powerful 21-word message, he conveyed his deep appreciation for the time he spent at Goodison Park and his respect for the fans.
“Goodison Park will always be in my heart. Thank you to the fans for making it a magical place. Forever Blue,” Rodriguez wrote on his Instagram story.
The message from Rodriguez, while short, was filled with sincerity and emotion. Everton fans had an undeniable connection with the Colombian, and his tribute resonated strongly among supporters. The 21 words reflected a sentiment shared by many who have walked through the gates of Goodison Park over the years, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Rodriguez’s message is a testament to the bond between the players and the supporters that make up the fabric of the club. Even though his time at the club was relatively short, his contributions on the pitch – including stunning goals and memorable performances – ensured that he was fondly remembered by the Everton faithful.
Tributes from Other Former Players
Rodriguez was not the only former Everton player to pay tribute to Goodison Park. A multitude of other ex-players, past managers, and club legends shared their thoughts as the club said farewell to its historic home.
One of the most heartfelt tributes came from Duncan Ferguson, the iconic former striker and assistant manager. Ferguson, whose passion for the club is legendary, expressed his gratitude to the stadium that saw him become a Toffees hero. “Goodison will always have a special place in my heart. It’s where I became a part of this club’s history, and I will forever hold it dear,” Ferguson wrote on Twitter.
Ferguson’s words carried a profound weight, as his connection with the club is deeply rooted in Goodison Park’s history. A man who was known for his fiery commitment and no-nonsense approach on the pitch, Ferguson’s legacy at Everton is intertwined with the stadium’s storied past. His message encapsulated the feelings of many Evertonians, who regard Goodison Park not just as a stadium, but as a symbol of the club’s proud traditions.
Other former Everton players, including Tim Cahill, Leighton Baines, and Phil Jagielka, also took to social media to share their reflections. Cahill, one of the club’s most celebrated midfielders, posted a photograph of him celebrating a goal at Goodison Park with the caption, “Where it all began. Goodison, you’ll always be in my heart.”
Meanwhile, Baines, who spent his entire playing career at Everton, spoke in an interview about the stadium’s significance. “For me, Goodison is home. It’s where I started, where I achieved some of my best moments, and where I made friends for life. It’s a place that will never be forgotten,” he said, clearly moved by the occasion.
Jagielka, another player who spent the majority of his career at Everton, echoed similar sentiments. “It feels surreal to say goodbye to Goodison, but it will always be the place where I learned, grew, and became part of something special,” he remarked.
These tributes are just a small sample of the outpouring of affection from former players, who all acknowledge the significance of Goodison Park in shaping their careers and lives. The emotional connections that players develop with the ground are unique, as it is often where they experience their highest moments in football, and sometimes their toughest.
The Fans: A Unified Farewell
While tributes from former players and managers were plentiful, it was the fans who truly embodied the spirit of Goodison Park’s farewell. Throughout the final match at the ground, Everton supporters displayed banners, flags, and scarves in tribute to the stadium that had been their home for so many years.
One fan, speaking to the media outside the stadium, said: “Goodison Park isn’t just bricks and mortar; it’s the soul of the club. The memories we’ve made here will last forever. As much as we’re excited for the future, saying goodbye to this place is incredibly tough.”
The farewell was marked by a ceremony before the game, where former players were invited to take part in the celebrations, alongside the current squad. As the players and coaches lined up to pay their respects to the stadium, the atmosphere was charged with emotion. Supporters, many of whom had attended matches at Goodison Park for decades, chanted songs of appreciation and sang their hearts out one final time inside the beloved stadium.
It was a bittersweet occasion for the fans. While they were excited about the new chapter awaiting the club at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, there was an undeniable sense of sadness as they said goodbye to a place that had been central to their lives for so long. For many, Goodison Park wasn’t just a football stadium – it was a sanctuary where they had formed lifelong friendships and where they had shared both the highs and lows of supporting Everton.
Looking to the Future: Hill Dickinson Stadium
As the fans and players bid farewell to Goodison Park, attention quickly turned to the future and the new era at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. The state-of-the-art venue, located at Bramley-Moore Dock, is set to provide Everton with a modern home that will help propel the club forward in the years to come.
The move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium marks the dawn of a new chapter for the Toffees, and while the memories of Goodison Park will never fade, there is a sense of optimism surrounding the club’s future. With its world-class facilities, the Hill Dickinson Stadium promises to be a venue befitting of Everton’s aspirations on the pitch.
However, as the dust settles on the final farewell to Goodison Park, it is clear that the stadium will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who experienced its magic. The memories created at the historic ground will live on in the stories of fans, players, and managers alike.
Goodison Park may have closed its doors, but its legacy will endure, forever etched in the history of Everton Football Club.
Godwin Obaje
