Everton have confirmed that Séamus Coleman will leave the club upon the expiry of his contract this summer.
The Donegal man signed for the Toffees from Sligo Rovers in 2009, for the infamously low fee of £60,000. It would prove to be one of the Premier League's greatest bargain signings.
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Since spending a year on loan at Blackpool in 2009-10, Coleman has been integral to Everton, becoming a beloved figure among the club's fans - with good reason, too.
At his peak, the Irishman was among the world's best right-backs and starred in the Toffees teams of the mid-2010s, which contended for Europe. He has played 433 games for the club, and holds their Premier League appearance record (372).
However, he has played more of a peripheral role in recent years, due in part to injuries and a changing of the guard in the Everton defence.
His departure from Everton was somewhat expected, but the announcement shared by the club on Friday was deeply emotional and proved just how valued Coleman is on the blue half of Merseyside.
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Séamus Coleman to leave Everton
An emotive video shared by Everton on Friday confirmed Séamus Coleman's departure from the club, with tributes from teammates and coaches.
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Legend. Evertonian. 🥹
Thank you, Seamus. 💙 pic.twitter.com/giRQbILwxl
— Everton (@Everton) May 15, 2026
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Even if you're not an Everton fan, it's hard not to feel choked up watching such a loving tribute to a modern Irish great.
Coleman's off-field work was highlighted, too; the Ireland stalwart has been an immense champion of Everton's community work throughout his time in blue.
The man himself spoke towards the end of the video, saying that Everton FC would never leave his heart.
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This club will never leave me, this is a special, special football club. It means too much to me.
I've got a real bond, a real connection, a real love for the football club. I mean it.
I'm very grateful, very proud, very happy to be an Evertonian. Hopefully, the fans see me as that, but that's what I believe, I'm a big Evertonian.
Any Toffees fan who believes Séamus Coleman is anything other than a true Evertonian deserves to have their season ticket revoked.
The character of the man is perhaps most frequently highlighted - the video also features Frank Lampard's famous speech on that matter after Everton's great escape in 2022 - but David Moyes highlighted one pivotal aspect of why Coleman will be remembered so fondly.
I think everyone wants their club to want Séamus Coleman...because of his determination, his attitude, commitment - all the good words.
But, you also have to be a good player to earn those accolades. You have to be a good player in the first place.
Moyes was the man who brought Coleman to Everton, and has returned to coach him again in his second spell in charge at the club.
Leighton Baines was a teammate during Moyes' first stint, and is now one of the Scots' assistant coaches.
Throughout, he has been impressed by Séamus Coleman.
"I respect him in a lot of ways," Baines said.
"But especially when times got tough, he was the first guy to just step forward. Legend."
A monumental figure in the club's recent history, Coleman will be sorely missed on Merseyside.
Where the Ireland stalwart goes next is the most fascinating question.
Everton's statement said that Coleman's next move has not been decided, saying:
The fans' favourite...will now take this summer to decide his next move, with the defender having the option of taking up a coaching role at Everton or continuing his playing career with another club and the Republic of Ireland.
Heimir Hallgrímsson and the Irish coaching staff will certainly hope Séamus Coleman's playing career continues.
Coleman's final chance to play in front of Everton's home fans comes this Sunday, when Sunderland visit the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Champions League football is still a possibility for Everton, but one would imagine that a fitting farewell for Coleman will be a top priority for the club's fans.
The full statement from Séamus Coleman on the club's website reads:
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.
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