Former Leeds United star James Milner is the player with the second-most appearances in Premier League, but records continue to tumble for him.
James Milner’s return to Leeds United will be emotional later this season, but he continues to break records in the Premier League, albeit now with Brighton and Hove Albion.
Brighton playing Leeds will mark Milner returning with Georginio Rutter. It’s also possible that Milner could break the Premier League appearance record this season, having first appeared for Leeds in November 2002.
Milner finishing his career at Leeds seems unlikely now, given that he turns 40 this season after signing another one-year contract with Brighton. However, he continues to score goals at this level, some 23 years on from his first.
James Milner scores for Leeds United vs Chelsea
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James Milner is Premier League’s second-youngest and second-oldest scorer
Rutter and Milner have changed shirt numbers, with Rutter taking No.10 and Milner paying homage to his former teammate Diogo Jota as No.20. The Brighton duo love Elland Road’s atmosphere, too.
But Milner celebrated his penalty against his former side by paying tribute to Jota’s iconic PlayStation celebration. It was a touching moment and also made history in doing so.
Milner now holds the records as the second-youngest goalscorer (16 years and 356 days) for a strike against Chelsea, and the second-oldest goalscorer (39 years and 239 days) for his penalty today, in the Premier League era.
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James Vaughan betters him for the former at 16 years and 270 days old, while Teddy Sheringham can still be beaten by Milner if he plays and scores past the age of 40 years and 268 days for the latter title.
In the process, he broke two other records. Milner became the oldest penalty scorer in Premier League history, aged 39 years and 239 days. James Trafford, who was beaten, was born exactly one month before Milner’s debut in the competition in 2002.
Per Jonny Cooper of Opta, Milner has now scored a Premier League goal against goalkeepers born in the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s due to that feat.
On top of all of that, Milner has gone 55 games without losing when scoring (55 – W44 D11), meaning only Gabriel Jesus (62) has scored in more Premier League games without losing than the Leeds academy product.
The penalty was well struck past Trafford and Milner will still be eyeing further records, with Sheringham’s up for grabs as well as Barry’s 653 appearance record. Milner is just 13 behind his former teammate.
Brighton & Hove Albion v Burnley FC - Premier League
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James Milner’s post-match words regarding Diogo Jota’s ‘magic’
Speaking post-match, Milner revealed his feelings to Sky Sports after scoring and paid further tribute to Jota. He said: “Yeah, obviously, you know, Jots meant so much to everyone.
"I didn't think I'd score too many goals this season, but that's probably the magic of his number on the shirt!"
James Milner on paying tribute to Diogo Jota with his celebration against Manchester City ❤️ pic.twitter.com/EMJxqjEIcf
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 31, 2025
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“To get on the scoresheet, you know, it’s an honour to wear his number this year and get on the field.
“You know, I didn’t think I’d score too many goals this season, but there’s probably magic of his number and the shirt.
“The guy he was, that’s filled into the boots already. So, if that’s the case, hopefully there’s a few more goals to come this year.”