Seamus Coleman leaves Everton after 17 years, 434 appearances
Synopsis
Seamus Coleman arrived at Everton for £60,000 from Sligo Rovers in 2009. He leaves as the club's all-time Premier League appearance holder, a 140-game captain, and one of the most respected figures in the club's modern history — a £60,000 signing who became priceless.
Key Takeaways
Seamus Coleman , 37 , will leave Everton F.C. when his contract expires in summer 2025 after 17 years at the club.
He joined from Sligo Rovers F.C. in January 2009 for just £60,000 .
Coleman holds the record for most Premier League appearances for Everton — 372 — surpassing Tim Howard in 2024 .
He captained Everton 140 times after being appointed skipper in 2019 .
His appearance against Sunderland A.F.C. could be his 434th for the club, placing him ahead of Dixie Dean and Leon Osman on the all-time list.
Everton have offered Coleman a coaching role ; he says he will decide after a summer break.
Seamus Coleman has confirmed he will leave Everton F.C. at the end of the current season, drawing the curtain on a 17-year association with the club that began when he arrived from Sligo Rovers F.C. for just £60,000 in January 2009. The 37-year-old right-back made the announcement in an official club statement, confirming his departure once his contract expires this summer.
A Final Bow at Goodison Park
Coleman has identified Sunday's home fixture against Sunderland A.F.C. as his last appearance at Goodison Park as an Everton player. Should he feature in that match, it will be his 434th appearance for the club across all competitions — a tally that would place him inside the top 10 on Everton's all-time appearance list, ahead of club legends Dixie Dean and Leon Osman.
The Irishman's playing record at Everton is remarkable by any measure. In 2024, he surpassed former goalkeeper Tim Howard to become the club's all-time Premier League appearance holder, accumulating 372 top-flight appearances alongside 22 goals and 24 assists.
Coleman's Words on Leaving
'After more than 17 years at this great football club, I've decided this season will be my last as a player here,' Coleman said in the statement. '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.'
He also paid tribute to the staff and management: '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.'
Injuries Clouded His Final Season
Coleman's farewell campaign has been severely curtailed by injury. He made only three Premier League appearances this season, with his sole start coming in November — a match he was forced to leave after just 10 minutes following another setback. Despite that, his standing at the club has never been in question.
He was appointed Everton captain in 2019 and led the side on 140 occasions through what he described as a 'difficult but memorable' chapter in the club's history — a period that included relegation battles and the long-awaited move away from Goodison Park.
What Comes Next
Everton have reportedly offered Coleman a coaching role at the club, though he has indicated he will not make an immediate decision. 'The Club has been unbelievable with me. They've offered me an opportunity to stay on at the Football Club,' he said, adding that he intends to take 'a nice, long holiday' before determining his next step. The offer signals the club's intent to retain his experience and connection with the fanbase in some capacity. Whether Coleman transitions into coaching or steps away from football entirely, his legacy at Goodison Park is already secured.
Point of View
000 fee: it is arguably the best piece of business in the club's Premier League history. The coaching offer is smart, but Everton must be careful not to rush him into a role before he is ready — clubs that fast-track beloved players into coaching without proper development often do neither the club nor the individual any favours.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Seamus Coleman leaving Everton?
Seamus Coleman is leaving Everton because his playing contract expires at the end of the 2024-25 season and he has decided, at 37, that this will be his last as a player at the club. He announced the decision in an official club statement on 15 May 2025.
How many appearances did Seamus Coleman make for Everton?
Coleman has made 433 appearances for Everton across all competitions, with a potential 434th against Sunderland A.F.C. He also holds the club record for Premier League appearances with 372, surpassing Tim Howard in 2024.
Will Seamus Coleman stay at Everton in a coaching role?
Everton have offered Coleman a coaching role at the club, but he has not yet accepted. He stated he will take time over the summer to reflect before making a decision on his future.
When did Seamus Coleman join Everton and for how much?
Coleman joined Everton from Sligo Rovers F.C. in January 2009 for a fee of just £60,000. He went on to become one of the club's most decorated servants over 17 years.
What is Seamus Coleman's record as Everton captain?
Coleman was appointed Everton captain in 2019 and led the club on 140 occasions. His tenure as skipper covered one of the more turbulent periods in the club's recent history, including repeated relegation battles.
