James Milner has announced his retirement from professional football, bringing an end to a remarkable 24-year Premier League career that saw him become the competition’s all-time appearance holder.
The 40-year-old leaves the game after spending the past three seasons at Brighton & Hove Albion. His contract expired at the end of the season, prompting the former England international to officially call time on one of the most decorated careers in English football.
Milner made his final Premier League appearance during Brighton’s last game of the 2025-26 season, taking his tally to a record 658 matches in the competition.
In a statement on social media, Milner reflected on a career that included league titles, European success and representing England at the highest level.
“I leave the game with immense pride, gratitude and memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life,” he said.
From Leeds Wonderkid To Premier League Legend
Milner’s professional journey began at Leeds United, where he made his Premier League debut at just 16 years of age in November 2002. A month later, he became the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history at the time.
Following Leeds’ relegation in 2004, he joined Newcastle United before moving to Aston Villa in 2008. His career reached new heights after signing for Manchester City in 2010, where he helped the club win Premier League titles in 2012 and 2014.
A move to Liverpool followed in 2015, and Milner played a key role in one of the most successful periods in the club’s modern history. He won the UEFA Champions League in 2019 and helped Liverpool secure their first league title in 30 years in 2020.
Across spells with Leeds, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton, Milner established a reputation as one of English football’s most reliable and versatile players.
On the international stage, he earned 61 caps for England after making his debut in 2009. He represented the national team at two FIFA World Cups and two UEFA European Championships.
Despite injury limiting his involvement during the 2024-25 campaign, Milner returned to feature 22 times in all competitions this season and helped Brighton qualify for European football for only the second time in the club’s history.
As he steps away from the game, Milner leaves behind a legacy built on consistency, professionalism and longevity, with few players having enjoyed such a sustained impact at the highest level of English football.
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