Seamus Coleman retires: Everton captain to end playing career after 17 years' service - 'Beyond my wildest dreams'
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Published 15/05/2026 at 11:03 GMT+1
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Seamus Coleman has announced he will call time on his playing career at Everton after a 17-year stint, but may stay on at the club in a coaching capacity.
Connected: When Ted & Kath Interviewed Coleman
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The current club captain was signed by David Moyes from Sligo Rovers in January 2009 for just ÂŁ60,000 and has gone on to make a club-record 372 Premier League appearances.
In their announcement, the Merseyside club called Coleman "one of Everton's greatest-ever servants and captains" and "a modern-day Blues icon".
The 37-year-old has not played a league match since suffering a hamstring injury in The Toffees' 1-0 win over Manchester United in November.
But he still has the chance to cement his outright place in 10th spot on Everton's all-time appearance list - the Republic of Ireland international is tied with Dixie Dean and Leon Osman on 433 appearances with two games of the season remaining.
Coleman said via Everton's official website: ”After more than 17 years at this great football club, I've decided this season will be my last as a player here.
”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.
”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.”
While his future is undecided, Coleman confirmed that Everton had offered him a place in their coaching set-up, though there is still the possibility he could continue playing for the Republic of Ireland and a different club.
”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,” said Coleman.
”My love for Everton is something you all know about – and I've got a huge love for Ireland as well.
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'An incredible captain' - Moyes pays tribute to Coleman and reflects on Goodison Park legacy
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”The club have been unbelievable with me. They've offered me an opportunity to stay on at the football 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.”
Coleman has captained Everton 140 times and was named in the PFA Team of the Year for 2013/14, the same season he was awarded Everton Players' Player of the Year and Supporters' Player of the Year after scoring six goals and registering two assists.
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He had a special word for Everton's "unbelievable" supporters, adding: ”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.
"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 at Everton. They've seen me happy, sad, angry, emotional, but the greater cause has always been Everton Football Club.
”Thank you for making me a better captain and team-mate. It’s an incredible football club with incredible people.”
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