James Milner retires at 40 after record 24 Premier League seasons and 658 appearances
The former England midfielder, who holds the Premier League appearance record, has called time on a 24-season career spanning six top-flight clubs.
James Milner, the Premier League's all-time appearance leader, announced his retirement from professional football on Monday, 1 June 2026, at the age of 40. The midfielder's career spanned 24 seasons and a record 658 matches in England's top flight, surpassing Gareth Barry's previous benchmark of 653.
A record-breaking journey
Milner's professional journey began at his boyhood club Leeds United, where he debuted at 16 and became the Premier League's youngest goalscorer at the time, aged 16 years and 356 days. He went on to represent Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Brighton & Hove Albion, with a brief loan spell at Swindon Town. His 658 appearances place him at the top of an elite group of four players to surpass 600 games, ahead of Barry (653), Ryan Giggs (632), and Frank Lampard (609).
- James Milner
- 658 appearances
- Gareth Barry
- 653 appearances
- Ryan Giggs
- 632 appearances
- Frank Lampard
- 609 appearances
- David James
- 572 appearances
Trophy-laden years
Milner collected major honours across his career, winning three Premier League titles — two with Manchester City and one with Liverpool — as well as the Champions League with Liverpool in 2019. His time at Anfield also yielded a FIFA Club World Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FA Cup, and League Cup. He earned 61 caps for England between 2009 and 2016, featuring at two European Championships and two World Cups.
I was fortunate to experience some unforgettable moments, from fighting relegation to winning trophies, playing in Europe and representing my country at two European Championships and two World Cups. But above all, it's the people and the friendships I've made in football that I will cherish forever.
Farewell with a smile
Known for his dry humour, Milner's farewell message included a nod to the "boring Milner" persona that followed him on social media. In a statement published on Liverpool's website, he thanked not only his supporters but also those who made his life difficult.
To the fans, thank you. To everyone who supported me every step of the way, your encouragement meant more than you will ever know. And to everyone who made my life difficult along the way, thank you too. You all played your part in an unforgettable journey and shaped me as a player and as a person.
Final chapter at Brighton
Milner spent his final three seasons at Brighton & Hove Albion, helping the club qualify for European competition for the second time in its history. His last campaign saw him make 22 appearances across all competitions, scoring one goal and providing one assist. The 2024-25 season had been curtailed by injuries, limiting him to just four games, but he recovered to contribute in his final year.
From not being able to lift my foot last year to coming back and helping Brighton qualify for Europe for the second time in their history at the age of 40… I could never have dreamed of the journey.
Legacy in numbers
Milner's 658 Premier League appearances place him 12th all-time in minutes played with 40,876. No goalkeeper has reached the 600-game milestone; former England international David James ranks fifth overall with 572 appearances. With Ashley Young also retiring this summer, Brentford's Jordan Henderson, on 463 appearances, becomes the leading active Premier League player in the all-time list.
