James Milner retires at 40 after setting all-time Premier League appearances record

James Milner has retired from professional football at the age of 40, ending a 24-season Premier League career with a record 658 appearances — more than any player in the competition’s history.

The Brighton midfielder confirmed his decision in a statement posted on Instagram, reflecting on a career that began when he made his debut for Leeds United at 16 and became the Premier League’s youngest scorer. He went on to win league titles with Manchester City and Liverpool before joining Brighton, where he helped the club qualify for European competition for the second time in their history last season.

“After 24 seasons in the Premier League, it feels like the right time to bring an end to my playing career,” Milner said. “From making my debut for Leeds, 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.”

Milner broke the all-time appearances record in February, surpassing the previous benchmark in a milestone that underlined the remarkable longevity of a career defined as much by consistency and professionalism as by the trophies accumulated along the way. His 658 Premier League appearances spanned clubs including Leeds, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Brighton.