- Seamus Coleman is set to leave Everton at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.
- He has been one of the club’s finest full backs in their history.
- The Irishman has received praise from some of football’s biggest names.
Seamus Coleman’s 17 years as an Everton player will conclude at the end of this season.
The Irishman has captained his side since 2019, but also proven to be one of their best right backs of all time.
On top of his iconic status with the Toffees, Coleman has played for his nation 79 times and captained them in their last appearance at a major tournament.
For both club and country, the right back has been a role model for his teammates and supporters, and has received an array of praise from some of football’s biggest names.
Roy Keane
Before a FIFA World Cup Qualifying match against Wales in 2018, Roy Keane noted how big a blow it was that his nation was without Coleman, as the right back continued his recovery from a double leg break.
The Welsh were also without star man Gareth Bale, and compared the absence of their right back to that of the missing winger.
He said: “He is obviously an important player for them, but we are missing Seamus Coleman and Jon Walters. They are as important to us as Bale is to Wales.”
Jurgen Klopp
Immediately after losing Coleman to his double leg break, Everton faced Liverpool in the Merseyside Derby at Anfield.
It was a huge loss for the Toffees who went into the game without one of their best defender, but Jurgen Klopp paid tribute to the Irishman.
“I would like to pass on my regards and best wishes to Seamus Coleman,” said the German manager.
“I do not know him personally, but as a football supporter, I love his character, his positive approach to the game, and his commitment to his club. There is a lot to admire about this player, and it is his personal qualities that will help him as he recovers from this setback and returns to the game.”
Carlo Ancelotti
Coleman was Everton’s captain for the entirety of Carlo Ancelotti’s time as manager for the Blues.
In the Italian’s only full season at Goodison Park, he oversaw many impressive wins, including a rare victory at Anfield.
After defeating Liverpool 2-0, Ancelotti raved about Coleman and said: “It is important for a manager to have in his squad a player who is setting the standards really high.
“Seamus is an example for the others. In this sense, he is the same as John Terry, Paolo Maldini, Sergio Ramos; all great models for their teammates.”
Paul McGrath
Akin to Coleman, Paul McGrath was a star in both the Premier League and for the Republic of Ireland.
The ex-Manchester United defender sorely wanted the right back to join his old side, and publicly expressed his praise for Everton’s star.
He said: “He has got every attribute a right-back wants. He works so hard, he is a good defender, and he has got an engine like no other.
“I think he would be great for Manchester United, and I really hope that is one of the deals that goes through.”
