The news broke early on Friday morning that Seamus Coleman, the Donegal-born right-back who joined from Sligo Rovers as a 20-year-old for just £60,000 in January 2009, has confirmed that this season will be his last as a player at the club.
In a brief, heartfelt video message, Coleman thanked Evertonians directly: “After over 17 years at this amazing football club, this year will be my last as a player.”
Coleman departs having made 433 appearances in all competitions – level with Dixie Dean and Leon Osman, with two games of the season still to play. His 372 Premier League appearances already stand as the outright club record. The numbers alone are remarkable. But numbers don’t capture what Coleman meant.
For those who want to relive the attacking highlights, the tribute below — produced by the Classic EFC Matches account on X — is essential viewing.
Everton have offered him a coaching role should he wish to remain at the club, and Coleman has indicated he wants time over the summer – and potentially a final appearance for the Republic of Ireland in the upcoming friendlies – before deciding his next chapter.
For now, this ten-minute reel from Classic EFC is the right way to remember him: boots on, ball at his feet, running forward.
