Seamus Coleman To Exit Everton After 17-Year Spell

Seamus Coleman has confirmed he will bring the curtain down on his Everton playing career at the end of the season when his contract expires, closing a 17-year chapter at the club.

Seamus Coleman, a 37-year-old right-back has been offered a coaching role by the club and says he will decide his next move over the summer.

Coleman joined Everton from Sligo Rovers in January 2009 for just £60,000 and rose to become club captain in 2019. He went on to break the club’s Premier League appearance record in 2024, moving past Tim Howard’s previous mark of 354 matches.

His top-flight tally now stands at 372 appearances, with 22 goals and 24 assists.

“After more than 17 years at this great football club, I’ve decided this season will be my last as a player here,” said Coleman.

His final home outing is scheduled for Sunday’s clash with Sunderland.

Injuries have limited the Republic of Ireland international in recent seasons. He has made only three Premier League appearances this campaign and lasted just 10 minutes of his only start after suffering an injury in November.

If he features against the Black Cats, Coleman will move ninth on Everton’s all-time appearances list with 434 matches in all competitions, overtaking club legends Dixie Dean and Leon Osman.

The defender has already begun preparing for life beyond the pitch. He holds a UEFA B Licence coaching badge, allowing him to work with amateur sides, youth teams up to under-16 level and as an assistant coach.

Earlier in 2025, following the dismissal of Sean Dyche, Coleman briefly stepped into a caretaker role alongside former team-mate Leighton Baines for an FA Cup tie against Peterborough United.

Coleman, who has captained Everton 140 times, added: “I want to thank the fans for their unbelievable support. You’ve helped me in more ways than you could imagine.

“I live in the city – I see you all daily – and I’ve taken your love of the football club back into the dressing room to explain to the lads how much Everton means to the people.

“I also thank my managers, teammates, and all the staff. 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. It’s an incredible football club with incredible people.”