James Milner Retires After 654 Premier League Games and 24 Seasons
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 1
James Milner Retires After 654 Premier League Games and 24 Seasons
9 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 1
40-year-old James Milner announced his retirement after a 24-year Premier League career, ending his playing days after Brighton's final game of 2025-26.
654 Premier League appearances made him the competition's record holder, capping a season in which he returned from injury to play 22 matches in all competitions.
Three league titles — two with Manchester City and one with Liverpool — defined a career that also included Liverpool's 2019 Champions League triumph and spells with Leeds, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Brighton.
61 England caps and appearances at two European Championships and two World Cups extended his impact beyond club football after a top-flight debut for Leeds at 16 in 2002.
What were the secrets behind James Milner's 24-season career that allowed him to outlast generations of Premier League stars?
After calling coaching 'relentless,' will the Premier League's ultimate professional, James Milner, ever step into management?