Coleman to end 17-year Everton playing career

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• Published15 May 2026, 10:19 BST

Seamus Coleman has announced he will finish his Everton playing career at the end of the season, when his contract expires after 17 years at the club.

The 37-year-old full-back has been offered a coaching role with the Toffees, but says he will decide his future over the summer.

The Republic of Ireland international joined Everton from Irish side Sligo Rovers in January 2009 for just £60,000, and was named club captain in 2019.

In 2024, Coleman broke the club's Premier League appearance record, surpassing former goalkeeper Tim Howard's tally of 354.

His top-flight record now stands at 372 games, 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 game will be against Sunderland on Sunday.

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Coleman has struggled with injuries in recent years and featured only three times in the Premier League this season - lasting only 10 minutes on his only start because of injury in November.

If he does play some role against the Black Cats at the weekend, he will go ninth in Everton's all-time appearances list, above former players Dixie Dean and Leon Osman, with 434 appearances in all competitions.

Coleman has earned his Uefa B License coaching badge, which allows him to coach amateur teams, youth teams up to the age of 16 and serve as an assistant coach.

In early 2025, when ex-Everton boss Sean Dyche was sacked, Coleman took interim charge of the first team alongside former team-mate Leighton Baines for an FA Cup tie against Peterborough United.

Coleman, who has captained the Merseyside club 140 times, continued: "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, team-mates 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 team-mate. It's an incredible football club with incredible people."

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