James Milner retires from football after 24-year career

Former England international James Milner has announced his retirement from professional football, bringing an end to a remarkable 24-year Premier League career that established him as one of the competition's most respected and enduring players.

The versatile midfielder, who spent the last three seasons with Brighton & Hove Albion, leaves the game at the age of 40 after his contract with the club expired.

Milner’s retirement closes the chapter on a career that saw him become the Premier League’s all-time appearance holder, a record he set in February before making his 658th and final league appearance during Brighton's last match of the 2025-26 season.

Milner first emerged as a teenage talent at Leeds United, making his Premier League debut at just 16 years old in November 2002.

At the time, he was the second-youngest player ever to feature in the competition.

A month later, he became the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history, a record that has since been surpassed by Max Dowman and James Vaughan.

Following Leeds United’s relegation in 2004, Milner joined Newcastle United before moving to Aston Villa in 2008.

His consistent performances earned him an England debut in 2009, and he went on to collect 61 international caps.

During his England career, Milner represented his country at two FIFA World Cups and two UEFA European Championships.

In 2010, Milner signed for Manchester City, where he played a crucial role in one of the most successful periods in the club's history.

He helped City win Premier League titles in 2012 and 2014, contributing significantly to the team's rise as a major force in English football.

Milner joined Liverpool in 2015 and spent eight memorable seasons at Anfield.

During that period, he made 332 appearances, scored 26 goals, and helped the club achieve significant success.

He was part of the Liverpool side that won the UEFA Champions League in 2019 and ended the club’s 30-year wait for a league title by winning the Premier League in 2020.

He also lifted both the FA Cup and League Cup during his distinguished career.

Despite suffering injuries that limited his involvement during the 2024-25 campaign, Milner returned to play 22 matches in all competitions during his final season with Brighton, helping the club qualify for European football for only the second time in its history.

Reflecting on his retirement, Milner expressed gratitude for the opportunities football had given him and the friendships he had formed throughout his journey.

He said he leaves the game with immense pride, appreciation, and memories that will stay with him forever, thanking everyone who played a part in his extraordinary career.