DONEGAL footballer Seamus Coleman has announced he will leave Everton at the end of the season after more than 17 years at the club, bringing to a close one of the most remarkable careers in Premier League history.
The Killybegs native, signed from Sligo Rovers in January 2009 for a bargain £60,000 by manager David Moyes, went on to become club captain and holds the Everton record for most Premier League appearances with 372.
If he features in Sunday’s final home game against Sunderland, his tally in all competitions will rise to 434 – moving him ahead of Dixie Dean and Leon Osman into tenth place on Everton’s all-time appearances list. He has also skippered the Toffees on 140 occasions.
Coleman, 36, said the decision had not been taken lightly and paid heartfelt tribute to the Everton faithful.
“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.”
The defender said he will take the summer to consider his options, with Everton having offered him a coaching role at the club, while he also has the possibility of continuing as a player with another club and the Republic of Ireland.
“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 – it was beyond my wildest dreams.”
He added: “This will always be my football club. My family, here and back in Ireland, are Evertonians for life.”
Posted: 11:04 am May 15, 2026
[](whatsapp://send?text=Killybegs hero Coleman brings curtain down on Everton career - https://donegalnews.com/killybegs-hero-coleman-brings-curtain-down-on-everton-career/)