Coleman to conclude 17-year Everton career as contract expires
The 37-year-old Irish international, who joined from Sligo Rovers in 2009, will decide his post-playing future over the summer.
Seamus Coleman has confirmed he will end his playing career at Everton when his contract expires at the conclusion of the current season. The 37-year-old full-back, who joined the Merseyside club from Sligo Rovers in January 2009 for a fee of £60,000, has spent 17 years with the institution, establishing himself as a central figure in its modern history.
Coleman holds the club’s Premier League appearance record, having surpassed former goalkeeper Tim Howard’s tally of 354 games in 2024. His top-flight record now stands at 372 matches, during which he contributed 22 goals and 24 assists. He was appointed club captain in 2019 and has led the side 140 times, a tenure that has seen him become a primary link between the dressing room and the fanbase.
The Republic of Ireland international stated that he has been offered a coaching role by the club but intends to determine his long-term future during the summer months. Coleman holds a UEFA B License, which qualifies him to coach amateur teams, youth sides up to the age of 16, and serve as an assistant coach. His brief foray into management occurred in early 2025, when he took interim charge of the first team alongside former teammate Leighton Baines for an FA Cup tie against Peterborough United, following the departure of manager Sean Dyche.
Recent physical decline has limited Coleman’s involvement on the pitch. He has featured only three times in the Premier League this season, with his only start in November lasting just 10 minutes due to injury. Despite these limitations, his final home match is scheduled against Sunderland on Sunday. If he participates in this fixture, Coleman will move to ninth place on Everton’s all-time appearances list with 434 total appearances, overtaking former players Dixie Dean and Leon Osman.
Coleman acknowledged the support of the Liverpool community in his announcement, noting that he resides in the city and maintains daily contact with supporters. He thanked managers, teammates, and staff for their role in his development as a captain and player, emphasising the emotional weight of his departure after nearly two decades at the club.
