James Milner retires at 40 after 24 Premier League seasons and three titles

James Milner announced his retirement from professional football on social media, bringing the curtain down on a 24-season Premier League career at the age of 40. The midfielder spent his final season at Brighton, where he helped the club qualify for European competition for the second time in their history.

Milner made his senior debut for Leeds United in 2002 at the age of 16, becoming the Premier League’s youngest scorer at the time. Over the following two decades he represented Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool, Stoke City, and Brighton, winning the Premier League three times — twice with City and once with Liverpool.

In a lengthy statement, Milner reflected on a career that exceeded his own expectations. “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,” he wrote, “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.”

Milner also addressed supporters directly, including those who were critical of him during his career. “To those who supported me every step of the way, your encouragement meant more than you’ll ever know. And to those who gave me grief along the way, thank you too — you all played your part in making the journey memorable and helping shape me as a player and person.”

He closed by crediting his family for making the career possible. “To my family, thank you for every sacrifice, every mile travelled and every moment of encouragement. None of this would have been possible without you.”

Milner joined Brighton from Liverpool in 2023 and, despite a significant injury setback during the 2024-25 season, returned to play a role in the club’s European qualification campaign before confirming the 2025-26 season would be his last.