The Leeds United academy alumni has called time his near 24-year career and has thanked his boyhood club
11:16, 01 Jun 2026
James Milner made his Leeds debut aged just 16
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James Milner made his Leeds debut aged just 16(Image: Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Leeds United academy graduate James Milner has announced his retirement after a stellar career which included three Premier League titles, a Champions League trophy and 61 England caps.
Having come through the ranks at Thorp Arch, the now 40-year-old earned 54 appearances for the Whites first-team, making his senior debut aged 16 and 309 days in November 2002. The following Boxing Day, he became the then youngest-ever Premier League scorer when he netted against Sunderland.
In all, he notched five goals and two assists for Leeds before moving to Newcastle United in 2004 amid the club’s financial strife. Wortley-born Milner, a boyhood Leeds fan, would later admit he was “disappointed” to have left Elland Road.
The midfielder, who ends his career at Brighton & Hove Albion, has gone on to enjoy a silverware-laden career, with 12 major trophies to show from his time at Manchester City and Liverpool. His last visit to Elland Road was as an unused substitute in Brighton’s 1-0 defeat last month.
Milner - whose PE teacher at Westbrook Lane Primary School in Horsforth was future Premier League referee Jon Moss, who would hand him a red card two decades later - hangs up his boots with 903 senior appearances as well as 86 goals and 135 assists.
James Milner of Leeds United shields the ball from Damien Johnson of Birmingham City during the FA Barclaycard Premiership match between Leeds United and Birmingham City held on January 01 28, 2003 at Elland Road in Leeds, England. Leeds United won the match 2-0.
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James Milner debuted for Leeds as a teenager(Image: Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Releasing a statement announcing his retirement, Milner - who is the all-time Premier League appearance holder with 658 games - said: "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 and Hove Albion 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 Hove Albion - 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.
James Milner
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James Milner has retired(Image: Getty Images)
"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."
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