Premier League Record Holder James Milner Retires After Remarkable 24-Year Career

Former England midfielder James Milner has announced his retirement from professional football, bringing an end to a remarkable 24-year career that saw him become the Premier League’s all-time appearance holder.

The versatile midfielder, who turned 40 this year, leaves the game after his contract with Brighton & Hove Albion expired following three seasons at the club.

Milner’s retirement concludes one of the longest and most successful careers in English football history. In February, he became the player with the most appearances in Premier League history, eventually finishing with 654 matches in the competition.

The former England national football team international represented six clubs in the English top flight and collected numerous major honours during his career.

After emerging through the academy at Leeds United, Milner went on to play for Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton.

Among his achievements were three Premier League titles—two with Manchester City and one with Liverpool—as well as the 2019 UEFA Champions League triumph with Liverpool.

In a statement announcing his retirement, Milner reflected on the highlights of a career that spanned more than two decades.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to experience some unforgettable moments, from fighting for survival to winning trophies, playing in Europe, and representing my country at two European Championships and two World Cups,” he said.

“But more than anything, it’s the people and friendships I’ve made throughout the game that I’ll cherish forever.”

Milner made his Premier League debut for Leeds United in November 2002 at the age of 16, becoming the second-youngest player to appear in the competition at the time.

Just a month later, he became the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history, a record that has since been surpassed by Max Dowman and James Vaughan.

On the international stage, Milner earned 61 caps for England after making his senior debut while at Aston Villa in 2009. He represented his country at two FIFA World Cups and two UEFA European Championships before retiring from international football.

Although injuries limited his involvement during the 2024-25 campaign, Milner returned to feature in 22 matches across all competitions during the 2025-26 season. His final Premier League appearance came in Brighton’s last game of the campaign, helping the club secure European qualification for only the second time in its history.

Reflecting on his journey, Milner said: “From making my debut for Leeds United, who I supported growing up, at the age of 16 and becoming the Premier League’s youngest scorer, I could never have dreamed of the journey I’ve been on.

“Right through to not being able to lift my foot last year and then coming back to be part of Brighton qualifying for Europe for the second time in their history at the age of 40.”