Seamus Coleman Calls Time On Everton Spell

Arguably one of Everton’s greatest captains, Seamus Coleman has called time on his stay at Merseyside after 17 years.

The veteran right-back who holds the club record for most Premier League appearances with 372 was brought to the club by David Moyes during his first spell as manager for a bargain fee of £60,000 from Sligo Rovers in January back in 2009.

“It’s virtually impossible to put into words what I think of Seamus Coleman and the impact he’s had at this Club.”

David Moyes pays tribute to the skipper. 💙

— Everton (@Everton) May 15, 2026

“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. 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 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 teammate. It’s an incredible football club with incredible people.

“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 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.

“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.”

The Toffees game against Sunderland on Sunday could take his appearance tally in all competitions to 434 should he play, jumping ahead of Dixie Dean and Leon Osman in 10th place in Everton’s all-time appearances list.