James Milner has announced his retirement from football after a record-breaking 24-year career in the Premier League.
The versatile 40-year-old midfielder has confirmed that he will leave Brighton & Hove Albion after three seasons with the club when his contract expires at the end of June.
Milner began his career with Leeds United before representing Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Liverpool, spending eight years with the latter before joining Brighton.
Capped 61 times by England between 2009 and 2016, Milner won two Premier League titles with Man City before lifting another with Liverpool, while he also won the Champions League trophy with the Reds in 2019.
In February, Milner broke the all-time record for the most Premier League appearances(658), while he also ranks inside the top 10 for most assists in the division (90).
The West Yorkshireman has now decided to hang up his boots and has taken to social media to thank everyone who has supported him during a memorable journey in football.
"I leave the game with immense pride": Milner confirms retirement from football
© Imago / Visionhaus
“After 24 seasons in the Premier League it feels like the right time to bring an end to my playing career,” Milner posted on Instagram.
“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 & Hove Albion qualifying for Europe for the second time in their history at the age of 40.
“To have gone on to represent Newcastle United Aston Villa, Manchester 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.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to experience some unforgettable moments, from fighting for survival to winning trophies, playing in Europe, and representing my country, England, at two European Championships and two World Cups. But more than anything, it’s the people and friendships I’ve made throughout the game that I’ll cherish forever.
“To the fans, thank you. To those who supported me every step of the way, your encouragement meant more than you’ll ever know. And to those who gave me grief along the way, thank you too – you all played your part in making the journey memorable and helping shape me as a player and person.
“To my family, thank you for every sacrifice, every mile travelled and every moment of encouragement. None of this would have been possible without you.
“I leave the game with immense pride, gratitude and memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Football has given me far more than I could ever have imagined, and I will always be thankful for the opportunities it provided. Thank you to everyone who has been part of the journey.”
JAMES MILNER'S 24-YEAR FOOTBALL CAREER IN NUMBERS
16 years, 309 days – Milner became the second-youngest player in Premier League history on November 10, 2022 when he made his professional debut for Leeds as a substitute against West Ham United. Ethan Nwaneri (15 years, 181 days) now holds the record.
16 years, 356 days – Milner became the youngest player to score in Premier League history on December 26, 2002 with a goal for Leeds in a 2-1 win over Sunderland. This record has since been broken by James Vaughen and current record-holder Max Dowman.
39 years, 239 days – Milner became the second oldest Premier League goalscorer when he netted for Brighton against former club Man City in a 2-1 win on August 31, 2025.
54 – Total number of appearances for Leeds between 2002 and 2004
6 – Total number of appearances on loan at Swindon in 2003
136 – Total number of appearances for Newcastle between 2004 and 2008
126 – Total number of appearances for Aston Villa between 2005-06 and 2008-10
203 – Total number of appearances for Man City between 2010 and 2015
332 – Total number of appearances for Liverpool between 2015 and 2023
46 – Total number of appearances for Brighton between 2023 and 2026
61 – Total number of international caps for England between 2009 and 2016
4 – Total number of World Cup appearances for England(three in 2010, one in 2014)
5 – Total number of European Championship appearances for England (four in 2012, one in 2016)
658 – Total number of Premier League appearances – an all-time record
964 – Total number of career appearances for club and country
87 – Total number of career goals scored by Milner for club and country
141 – Total number of career assists recorded by Milner for club and country
47 – Milner holds the record for assisting the most different players in Premier League history
18 – Total number of permanent managers Milner has worked under in his club and international career (14 club managers, four international managers)
13 – Total number of trophies won by Milner in his club career (three Premier League titles, two FA Cups, two EFL cups, two Community Shields, one Champions League, one UEFA Super Cup, one FIFA Club World Cup, one UEFA Intertoto Cup)
6 – Total number of times Milner lost in a cup final (two Champions Leagues, two EFL Cups, one FA Cup, one Europa League)
2009-10 – The season Milner was named PFA Premier League Young Player of the Year and was included in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year