Premier League record holder James Milner retires at 40 after 24-year career

Former England international James Milner has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 40, bringing an end to a 24-year career in the Premier League. The versatile midfielder, who played his final top-flight match for Brighton & Hove Albion in the 2025–26 season, made his 658th appearance in the competition, securing the record for the most Premier League appearances in history.

Milner began his professional journey at Leeds United, making his debut at 16 in November 2002. He quickly established himself as a significant talent, becoming the youngest player to score in the Premier League at the time and remaining third on that list behind Max Dowman and James Vaughan. After Leeds were relegated in 2004, he moved to Newcastle United before joining Aston Villa in 2008, where he made his England debut in 2009.

His career trajectory shifted significantly after joining Manchester City in 2010. Milner helped the club secure their first two Premier League titles in 2012 and 2014. He subsequently moved to Liverpool in 2015, where he spent eight seasons, scoring 26 goals from 332 appearances. During his time at Anfield, he won the Premier League title in 2020, the first league crown for the club since 1990, and lifted the UEFA Champions League in 2019.

Internationally, Milner earned 61 caps for England between 2009 and his retirement from international duty. He represented his country at two European Championships and two World Cups. In a statement released via social media, he reflected on the breadth of his experience, noting that he had been fortunate enough to experience moments ranging from fighting for survival to winning major trophies.

Milner’s final season with Brighton saw him play 22 games in all competitions after missing most of the 2024–25 season through injury. He helped the club qualify for Europe for the second time in their history. In his retirement message, Milner expressed immense pride and gratitude, thanking everyone who had been part of his journey and acknowledging the support of fans, family, and even critics who contributed to his development.

The announcement marks the conclusion of a career defined by longevity and adaptability. From earning £70 a week at Leeds United to becoming the Premier League’s record appearance holder, Milner’s path included stints at six different English top-flight clubs. He leaves the game with a trophy cabinet that includes three Premier League titles and a Champions League medal, cementing his status as one of the competition’s most enduring figures.