Iliman Ndiaye’s wife was overwhelmed as the Everton striker etched his name into the club’s history. In yesterday’s match, Ndiaye scored both goals in a 2-0 victory over Southampton — the final goals for Everton’s men at Goodison Park.
The excitement kicked off early with Ndiaye’s first goal just six minutes in. He then sealed the win with a second strike deep into stoppage time before halftime, sending the stadium into a frenzy on this historic day.
Ndiaye was taken off the field after 75 minutes, with striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin coming on to replace him. Off the pitch, Iliman Ndiaye is married to Ioana Ndiaye, and the couple share three children.
Ioana often shares moments from her life on Instagram, where she has 58,000 followers. After the game, she posted a photo of herself with Iliman outside Goodison Park.
Ioana expressed her pride in Iliman’s historic achievement, saying: “I can’t put into words how proud I am. Two goals on such a historic day and now your name is forever part of Goodison’s story. The last ever goal scorer at this iconic ground—what a legacy. My heart is so full.” She added a blue heart emoji.
Iliman replied with a red heart emoji. The post garnered over 6,000 likes, with many Everton fans and friends sending messages of support.
One fan commented: “Some player him. We love him.” Another added: “He’s absolutely brilliant, and us blues love him.” A third wrote: “Amazing achievement. Big love to you both.” Meanwhile, a fourth praised: “Amazing player, amazing family and all around great people.”
Ioana’s Instagram journey began in June 2022, sharing pictures of her, Ndiaye, and their daughter on a Disneyland Paris trip. On 20 August 2022, she posted a heartfelt tribute celebrating their second anniversary.
The couple welcomed their second daughter on July 7, 2023. Ioana was by Ndiaye’s side when he signed his Everton contract in 2024.
Their third child arrived in December, with Ndiaye sharing a touching photo of the couple holding their newborn’s hand. The 24-year-old captioned it: “Just when we thought our hearts couldn’t get fuller. 10.12.2024.”
Ioana seems to be enjoying life in Merseyside. Later that month, she shared a series of family photos on Instagram, including one of her and her daughter watching an Everton match at Goodison Park.
The family was also seen enjoying a fairground ride, with Ioana captioning the photos: “Loving this little life of ours.”
Fans were moved to tears watching Everton men’s first team play their final match at Goodison Park. Flares lit the sky and songs echoed through the stands, marking the end of an era at The Grand Old Lady.
Thousands packed the streets surrounding the stadium before the emotional game, with blue smoke swirling as Everton’s team bus had to take a detour due to the wild celebrations outside.
As fans streamed into Goodison Park, Everton legend Duncan Ferguson was surrounded by enthusiastic supporters on his way inside.
When the final whistle blew, Everton personalities Tony Bellew and Gethin Jones hosted a special ceremony to mark the end of an era at the stadium. Current players and club legends like Tim Cahill and Peter Reid joined in the celebrations, while Ellis Murphy and Bill-Ryder Jones performed for the excited crowd.
After the game, nearby pubs and bars were packed as Blues fans carried on the celebrations late into the night.
This event marks the close of an important chapter in football history as Everton’s men prepare to move to their new stadium at Bramley Moore Dock next season. Meanwhile, Everton Women will take over Goodison Park as their home ground, replacing Walton Hall Park.