Can Coleman become second-oldest outfield player in Euros history?

Seamus Coleman of Republic of Ireland following their penalty shootout defeat in the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers play-off semi-final match between Czechia and Republic of Ireland at Fortuna Arena in Prague, Czechia. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Séamus Coleman would become the second oldest outfield player in Euro finals history if, as his manager Heimir Hallgrímsson wishes, he stays until Euro 2028.

The Ireland captain will be 39 and 243 days old by the time the first of the seven games staged in Dublin takes place on Saturday, June 10.

Portugal defender Pepe is officially the oldest player to grace the Euros. He was 41 years 130 days on his last outing, the 2024 quarter-final defeat to France.

His compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo was 39 years and 151 days when involved in the same fixture but he’s expected to end his decorated international career after his sixth World Cup this summer.

Lothar Matthäus, at 39 years and 91 days, was the previous record holder from his outing for Germany against Portugal at Euro 2000.

Morten Olsen from Denmark’s victorious Denmark Euro ‘88) team is currently in fifth place at 38 years, 308 days while Croatia Luka Modric was 19 days behind when his Croatia teams met Italy at Euro 2024.

Goalkeeper Gábor Király got closest to Pepe when lining out for Hungary at the last Euros at 40 years and 86 days old.

Coleman (37) declined to confirm whether Tuesday’s friendly against North Macedonia would mark the last time he dons the Ireland jersey.

He intimated last November retirement from the international stage was likely had Troy Parrott not nicked a late winner in Hungary but the Ireland manager is in favour of him extending his Ireland service to 17 years.

Asked if Coleman, who also captains Everton, can stick around for the Euros at the age of 39, Hallgrímsson said: “Just because of a number, it shouldn’t be a reason why he should stop.

“He is the one that answers these questions. I think it’s just how he plays and how he acts in the squad that it would be good for us that he will continue.” 

It seems that possibility will be dependent on the defender’s next move at Everton. He’s 16 years with the Toffees but is nearing the end of his latest 12-month contract. Manager David Moyes has openly stated his preference for Coleman to remain at the club in a coaching capacity following retirement.