* **Seamus Coleman has been one of Everton’s finest defenders in their history.**
* **After joining in 2009 for a fee of £60,000, he rose to become captain of the Toffees.**
* **The Republic of Ireland international will reportedly retire at the end of this season.**
[Seamus Coleman](https://readeverton.com/seamus-coleman-describes-what-legacy-he-wants-to-leave-as-captain-of-everton/) has been an embodiment of Everton Football Club.
From the minute he arrived at the club to his exemplary work as captain, the right back has been an ever-present since breaking into the first team.
He has navigated himself through personal setbacks such as the horrifying leg break he suffered on international duty in 2017, and given his all in the Blues’ recent relegation troubles.
Now aged 37, it appears the full back will end his playing days following the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.
As Everton prepare for their final home match of the season against Sunderland, it is reported that Coleman will retire following the Blues’ last two matches, according to [The Bobble](https://x.com/ElBobble/status/2055215347272212657).
The Toffees captain has not played a large number of games in recent years and has only managed to gain 11 appearances over the past two seasons.
Yet his presence as captain has remained, and has continued to be a major figure for his squad, both on and off the pitch.
The defender has played over 400 times for Everton and is one of their few to have earned a spot in the PFA’s Team of the Year.
It is unknown as to whether Coleman will remain on Merseyside as a coach, and the Irishman will decide his post-playing plans in the summer.
Coleman debuted for Everton in a Europa League drubbing against Benfica as his side conceded five goals at the Estadio da Luz.
Yet just three days later, the full back made his Premier League debut against Tottenham Hotspur, and went on to win Man of the Match.
After such a poor first match for the Toffees, Everton’s future captain rolled up his sleeves; he did not let the performances affect him and went on to blow Evertonians away at such a young age.
The 37-year-old has experienced highs and lows on Merseyside, and while there will be some left gutted that the defender did not manage to add a winner’s medal to his career, Coleman has defined what it means to be a true Blue.
Sunday’s encounter will be a celebration for one of Everton’s finest captains, but as is the professional way he has conducted himself for the entirety of his career, Coleman will be fully focused on ensuring the Toffees go a step closer to European qualification.