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.”

Former rugby league player and coach John Kear, one of the sport’s most respected and influential figures, has died at the age of 71.

Kear passed away on Sunday while travelling home from the Challenge Cup final, prompting tributes from across the rugby league community to a man whose impact on the game spanned several decades.

Born in Castleford, Kear enjoyed a distinguished playing career with his hometown club, Castleford Tigers, making 133 appearances between 1978 and 1988.

Following his retirement as a player, Kear established himself as one of rugby league’s most respected coaches, earning widespread admiration for his leadership, tactical expertise and ability to inspire teams.

His greatest coaching achievement came in 1998 when he guided Sheffield Eagles to one of the biggest upsets in rugby league history. Under Kear’s leadership, Sheffield defeated the heavily favoured Wigan Warriors in the Challenge Cup final, ending Wigan’s dominance of the competition and securing a memorable victory that remains one of the sport’s most celebrated moments.

Kear went on to coach several leading clubs, including Hull FC, Wakefield Trinity and Bradford Bulls, earning a reputation for developing players and revitalising teams throughout his coaching career.

On the international stage, Kear served as head coach of the England national rugby league team during the 2000 Rugby League World Cup. He guided England to the semi-finals of the tournament, further enhancing his standing within the game.

Throughout his career, Kear was widely admired for his passion, commitment and contribution to rugby league both on and off the field. His influence extended beyond results and trophies, with many players, coaches and supporters regarding him as one of the sport’s finest ambassadors.

Paris Saint-Germain have successfully defended their UEFA Champions League title, defeating Arsenal in a dramatic final that was ultimately decided by a penalty shootout.

The result secures a second consecutive Champions League triumph for PSG and further cements their status among Europe’s elite clubs.

For Arsenal, it was a painful ending after a determined performance. The London side remained competitive throughout the contest but suffered heartbreak in the shootout when two penalties were missed.

Eberechi Eze fired his spot-kick wide of the target, while Gabriel Jesus sent his effort over the crossbar, handing PSG a decisive advantage.

Although Arsenal battled hard and showed resilience, PSG were widely viewed as the more dangerous attacking side over the course of the match. The French champions created the better opportunities and consistently threatened going forward, making them worthy winners on the balance of play.

The victory represents another landmark achievement for Paris Saint-Germain, who have now claimed back-to-back Champions League titles, while Arsenal are left to reflect on a missed opportunity after falling agonisingly short on European football’s biggest stage.