Seamus Coleman will leave Everton at the end of the season, drawing the curtain on a 17-year spell on Merseyside that saw him become one of the club's modern legends. The right-back has yet to decide whether to continue playing elsewhere or retire and accept a coaching role at Everton.
Coleman's Legacy at Everton
Coleman, who turns 38 later this year, has captained the Toffees since 2019 and holds the club record for most Premier League appearances, with 372. The Republic of Ireland international is widely regarded as one of the greatest bargains in Premier League history, having cost Everton just £60,000 when he joined from Sligo Rovers in 2009 — a fee celebrated in fans' chants.
Despite his immense influence off the pitch in recent seasons, Coleman has been limited to just three top-flight appearances this term due to another injury-hit campaign. Everton are expected to target a right-back in the summer transfer window. However, if Coleman features in either of the final two games — at home to Sunderland or away at Tottenham — he will move ahead of club record scorer Dixie Dean and a former teammate into 10th place on the all-time appearance list, with 434 in all competitions.
Career Highlights and Tributes
Coleman was named in the PFA Team of the Year for the 2013-14 season. He is the only player to have appeared for Everton under David Moyes in both his first and second spells as manager, and even took joint caretaker charge for one game after Sean Dyche left Goodison Park.
In a statement, Coleman said: "After more than 17 years at this great football club, I've decided this season will be my last as a player here. I want to thank the fans for their unbelievable support. You've helped me in more ways than you could imagine. I've always tried my best to put Everton Football Club first and you all mean the world to me."
He added: "I also thank my managers, teammates and all the staff at Everton. They've seen me happy, sad, angry, emotional, but the greater cause has always been Everton. Thank you for making me a better captain and teammate."
Regarding his future, Coleman noted: "Obviously, after such a big decision, I want to have some time over the summer to focus on what's next for me and my family. My love for Everton is something you all know about — and I've got a huge love for Ireland as well. The club have been unbelievable with me. They've offered me an opportunity to stay on at the club. The manager and staff have been great, and I think with it being such an important decision over my future, I'm going to take a nice, long holiday and look back on what has been an amazing time as an Everton footballer."
From Sligo Rovers to Everton Captain
Coleman arrived from the League of Ireland and had a loan spell at Blackpool before establishing himself in the Everton side. He reflected: "Coming over here as a 20-year-old from Sligo Rovers to a reserve team, I was just hoping to impress enough to get on the bench. To think I've gone on to make the most Premier League appearances for Everton and to become captain of this great football club — it was beyond my wildest dreams."
He concluded: "This will always be my football club. I'm glad I've been here for so long that I can say I have a team that I will support for the rest of my life. My family, here and back in Ireland, are Evertonians for life. There's something special about that, knowing in the years to come we'll still always be supporting Everton. This will always be my club. Thank you for letting me be part of it for more than 17 years."
