Everton captain Seamus Coleman has confirmed he will retire from professional football at the end of the current season, bringing an end to a remarkable 17-year spell with the club.

The 37-year-old right-back, who has been offered a coaching role at Everton, said he will make a final decision on his post-playing future over the summer.

End of an Era at Goodison Park

Coleman joined Everton from Sligo Rovers in January 2009 for a reported fee of just £60,000 and steadily rose through the ranks to become one of the club’s most influential figures.

He was appointed club captain in 2019 and went on to set a new Premier League appearance record for Everton in 2024, surpassing former goalkeeper Tim Howard’s mark.

His top-flight record currently stands at 372 Premier League appearances, alongside 22 goals and 24 assists.

Announcing his decision, Coleman said: “After more than 17 years at this great football club, I’ve decided this season will be my last as a player here.”

Final Game and Career Milestones

Coleman’s final home appearance is expected to come against Sunderland on Sunday.

If he features in the match, he will climb further up Everton’s all-time appearance list, moving to ninth place with 434 appearances across all competitions, ahead of club legends Dixie Dean and Leon Osman.

Despite injuries limiting his game time in recent seasons, Coleman’s influence at the club has remained significant, both on and off the pitch.

Transition Into Coaching

The Everton skipper has already begun preparing for life after playing. He holds a UEFA B coaching licence, qualifying him to work with youth teams up to under-16 level, as well as in assistant coaching roles.

Earlier in 2025, he briefly stepped into a caretaker coaching role alongside former teammate Leighton Baines following Sean Dyche’s departure, overseeing an FA Cup fixture against Peterborough United.

Emotional Farewell Message

Coleman expressed gratitude to Everton supporters, teammates, and staff, highlighting the deep connection he shares with the club and its fans.

“I want to thank the fans for their unbelievable support. You’ve helped me in more ways than you could imagine,” he said.

“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 how much Everton means to people.”

He added that his journey at the club had shaped him both personally and professionally, describing Everton as “an incredible football club with incredible people.”