Former England midfielder ends remarkable career with record 658 appearances.
London
Former England midfielder James Milner has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 40, bringing the curtain down on one of the longest and most distinguished careers in Premier League history.
Milner confirmed his decision through a social media post, ending a remarkable 24-season journey in England’s top flight. The veteran midfielder leaves the game as the Premier League’s all-time appearance leader, having played 658 matches and surpassing the previous record held by Gareth Barry earlier this year.
The Brighton midfielder began his professional career with boyhood club Leeds United, making his debut at just 16 years of age. In 2002, he became the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history at 16 years and 356 days, a record that was later surpassed by other players.
Reflecting on his career, Milner said he could never have imagined the journey that followed after breaking into the Leeds first team as a teenager. His longevity, consistency and professionalism earned widespread admiration across English football.
Following his spell at Leeds, Milner played for Newcastle United and Aston Villa before joining Manchester City in 2010. During his time at City, he won two Premier League titles and established himself as one of the league’s most dependable midfielders.
In 2015, he moved to Liverpool FC, where he enjoyed some of the most successful years of his career. Milner helped Liverpool win the Premier League title in 2020 and was a key member of the side that lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy under manager Jürgen Klopp in 2019.
He joined Brighton & Hove Albion on a free transfer in 2023 and continued to play an influential role before deciding to retire.
On the international stage, Milner earned 61 caps for England national football team, representing his country at two FIFA World Cups and two UEFA European Championships.
He retires having made 964 appearances for club and country, leaving behind a legacy defined by consistency, versatility and sustained excellence across more than two decades at the highest level.