Victor Anichebe and Alex Iwobi lead tributes to Seamus Coleman as Everton legend announces exit
Victor Anichebe and Alex Iwobi are among a host of former Everton stars among others to pay their respects to Seamus Coleman, as it’s announced he will leave the Toffees this summer.
The day that Everton fans everywhere always knew had to come at some point, but hoped it never would.
Indeed, a legendary captain and superb Toffees servant, it’s been announced that Coleman will be leaving Everton at the expiration of his contract upon the conclusion of this season.
Now 37, it’s unclear at this stage whether or not he will look to continue playing in 2026-27, as this news hasn’t come with a confirmation of retirement, simply that he will be leaving Hill Dickinson Stadium.
One of Everton’s all-time great transfer bargains and players, it’s no surprise to see the tributes pouring in for the Irishman.
🚨 EVERTON TRANSFER HUB 🚨
Breaking news on active deals, incoming signings, Hill Dickinson Stadium departures, and Friedkin Group priorities.
The definitive source for EFC recruitment news
Who has paid tribute under Everton’s Seamus Coleman post?
Signed for just £60,000 from Sligo Rovers in the summer of 2009, Coleman may have arrived through the proverbial back door at Everton, but he will certainly leave with the front door being held open for him.
Nobody could’ve predicted the sheer scale of the bargain Everton had acquired at the time, but 433 appearances later, and he’s undoubtedly in the pantheon of Toffees greats.
| Seamus Coleman fact file | Answer |
| Date of birth | 11 October, 1988 |
| Place of birth | Killybegs, Ireland |
| Began career with | St Catherine’s FC |
| Orignally a Gaelic footballer? | True |
David Moyes wants Coleman to stay on at Everton in any kind of capacity possible after he hangs up his boots, and given his connection to the Club, we may well not have seen the last of him around the place.
Everton’s Instagram account confirming the news, wrote: “Seamus Coleman – one of our greatest-ever servants and captains – has announced his proud Everton playing career spanning more than 17 years will come to an end when his contract expires next month.
“Thank you for everything, Seamus.”
Responding to the post underneath were a host of current and former Everton stars, one of which being Anichebe, who said: “What a journey, what a guy! Legend.”
Iwobi, and indeed former Toffees midfielder Davy Klaassen, both simply responded by saying: “Legend”, whilst Andros Townsend wrote: “The best.”
Meanwhile, former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock wrote: “A legend to his club but also to football. A brilliant competitor and even better person.”
Legendary Irish and Premier League goalkeeper Shay Given also paid his respects, saying: “Legend, what a career for Everton.”
Fellow Irish and current Norwich City defender Shane Duffy said: “The best (shedding a tear emoji)”, whilst former boxer Tony Bellew and former women’s star and current pundit Sue Smith both responded with blue love heart emojis.
David Moyes has to play Coleman against Sunderland
After we’ve now got confirmation that 2025-26 will indeed be Coleman’s last campaign in an Everton shirt, Moyes must do the right thing on Sunday.
Everton host Sunderland at Hill Dickinson Stadium this weekend, which will now be Coleman’s last chance to play in front of the Toffees faithful on home soil.
What a moment that would be to see the Irishman lead the team out for the final time on Merseyside, and it’s on occasion that he’s more than earned for himself given his service.
Don’t let us down, David!
Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Goodison News Insider Access
Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.