Baines Inducted As An Everton Giant

Leighton Baines was named an Everton Giant at the Club's 2025/26 End of Season Awards at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The former left-back joins a list of 37 legendary former players in the Club's official Hall of Fame, which was created in 1999. 

As a player, Baines made 420 appearances across 13 seasons of flawless service, scoring an impressive 39 goals – and forging a reputation for one of the most clinical free-kick takers of his generation.

Speaking after receiving the recognition, Baines said: "It's quite surreal to see some of the names and faces up there and to be mentioned in the same breath as them is unexpected but a huge honour.

“I’ve been here now for almost 19 years, and before that I was a young lad here. I had to go away and find a different route and learn my trade a different way.

“The manager brought me back and I’ve loved it ever since.”

Baines, who received 30 England caps and scored one goal for the Three Lions, picked up a host of Club awards during his outstanding stint as a player for the Toffees.

He scooped the Player of the Season on two occasions and Players' Player of the Season three times, as well as picking up two Goal of the Season prizes, and receiving the Howard Kendall Award alongside teammate Phil Jagielka in 2017/18.

After retiring from playing, Baines joined the Blues' Academy as a coach and became part of David Moyes' backroom staff as Men's First-Team Coach upon the manager's return to the Club in January 2025.

He added: “I love [the coaching side]. It takes time and it’s a completely different craft. You’ve got to go in and do the work, put the hours in.

“I worked with young players who meant a lot to me, and now, it’s players at this level, who are as talented as this group are. Not just talented, but an amazing group of players, as well. I love it and I love coming into work every day.”