James Milner: Every record that Premier League great has broken as retirement confirmed
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Credit: Imago Mon 1 June 2026 11:02, UK James Milner has confirmed that he has called time on his playing days after a decorated 24-year professional career that ends at Brighton & Hove Albion.Milner took to social media on Monday morning to announce that he has retired from playing following the conclusion of the 2025-26 season.The 40-year-old played 22 times for the Seagulls in his final professional campaign and broke Gareth Barry’s all-time Premier League appearance record back in February.He featured for seven different clubs across a 24-year career and broke numerous league and club records along the way.Football Insider have looked at every record that Milner smashed in his career at the end of an era as a Premier League and England great walks away from the game.James Milner broke several records during his long footballing careerMilner became the second-youngest Premier League player ever when he made his league debut for Leeds in November 2002, then was the youngest player to score in the competition’s history a month later on Boxing Day at 16 years and 356 days old. MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES He was also Leeds’ youngest ever top-flight player at that point, breaking a record that had stood since 1982, but Aaron Lennon surpassed him in the following season.AppearancesGoalsAssistsTitles65856873James Milner’s all-time Premier League statsFast-forward to 2017-18, and Milner recorded the most assists in a single Champions League campaign, with nine, while playing for Liverpool, as he overtook previous record holders Neymar and Wayne Rooney.In August 2018, he became the first PL player ever to score eight consecutive penalties without missing.Then onto last season, where he also set a new Premier League record for the most seasons ever appeared in, with 23, and he has ultimately retired after playing in 24 different campaigns.He ended his career by becoming the Premier League’s record appearance holder, after surpassing Barry in February with a 654th outing in the competition and ending on 658 games.What has Milner said in his retirement announcement?Sources told Football Insider that Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler wanted Milner to sign a new contract, but he has now decided to call time on his playing career.The 40-year-old took his time to address all six clubs that he featured for in the top flight upon announcing his retirement, saying: “After 24 seasons in the Premier League, it feels like the right time to bring an end to my playing career.
“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, 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.“To have gone on to represent Newcastle, Aston Villa, Man City, Liverpool and Brighton — and not forgetting a memorable month at Swindon Town — has been an incredible privilege. “Every club has played a huge role in my life and career, and I want to thank everyone involved — the owners, staff, coaches, teammates and supporters who welcomed me and helped me along the way.” 🔵 Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Brighton Insider Access Get the full story from the Amex and Lancing with our dedicated expert hubs: Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the South Coast.