'It is edging towards that way and happily as well': Séamus Coleman close to retiring

The 38-year-old has been without a club since he ended his 17-year association with Everton at the end of last season

Séamus Coleman speaking to Jamie Carragher on the Overlap's Fan Debate show. Pic: The Overlap.

Tue, 27 Oct, 2026 - 11:00

Andrew Horgan

Séamus Coleman has dropped his biggest hint yet that he is all but certain to retire from professional football in the near future.

The 38-year-old has been without a club since he ended his 17-year association with Everton at the end of last season although he recently admitted he was close to signing for Sheffield United during the summer.

The Donegal native returned home and had been training with his local soccer and GAA club in Killybegs in an effort to stay fit while he considered his options over his future.

Speaking on Stick to Football at the beginning of September, the Republic of Ireland international admitted he may have already retired had it not been for Heimir Hallgrímsson, who is keen for the experienced defender to remain in the Irish set-up for Euro 2028, which Ireland will co-host along with England, Scotland and Wales.

But speaking to Jamie Carragher on the Overlap’s Fan Debate show on Tuesday, Coleman confirmed he is edging closer to hanging up his boots for good.

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“I had the hope and ambition of maybe, possibly playing on. But the longer I have been off, the more I’ve been around the family and back home for Halloween break with the kids and stuff like that, the more content I am with what I am doing at the minute,” he began.

Carragher then asked if this was an exclusive and if he was officially retiring to which the former Sligo Rovers full back replied: “Em, I don’t want to completely draw a line in the sand.

“As I’ve said I have been keeping fit, but it is edging towards that way and happily as well, you know.

“You know what? It’s hard, it’s hard. More so – for many reasons – mentally, physically, just to keep ticking over. I enjoy training but you’re not with a ball and that.

“Regarding what’s next, I’ve enjoyed family time, I’m doing this now and I seem to enjoy it, see how it goes and yeah just an open book at the minute.

“If people said a year and a half ago, I’d be sitting next to you… my ex-teammates and that would be going ‘oh you turncoat!’ “But sure listen, it pays the bills.”