James Milner to break all-time Premier League appearance record

James Milner etched his name into English football history on Saturday, becoming the outright record-holder for Premier League appearances after lining up for Brighton & Hove Albion in their 2-0 win over Brentford at the G-Tech Community Stadium. The 40-year-old’s 654th top-flight outing moved him past Gareth Barry’s long-standing benchmark of 653.

The veteran midfielder, who entered the match in the 89th minute to a standing ovation, has now accumulated 56 goals and 87 assists across a 23-year career that has yielded three league titles. Speaking to Sky Sports post-match, Milner played down the personal accolade.

“I always want to play a part in the team’s improvement and winning games,” he said. “I’ve managed to play more minutes in the last few games. It is nice to contribute, and for us to get the win. To get the record, it is obviously a big number, but it is not something that I’ve really concentrated on, to be honest. There has been a lot of talk behind it, but for me and anyone who knows me knows that it is all about the team.”

Milner took the opportunity to thank those who supported his journey: “It is a good opportunity to give a nod to everyone who has helped me get here. My family and the sacrifices that they have made. Friends, physios and things like that. I’ve been fortunate to get here, work with good people at top clubs, but I am so happy to get the win here today and the three points.”

Born in Leeds, Milner debuted for his hometown club in 2002 at the age of 16 after graduating from the Leeds academy. A brief loan at Swindon Town preceded permanent moves to Newcastle United and Aston Villa. In 2010 he joined Manchester City, claiming two Premier League winner’s medals during a five-year stay at the Etihad. A free transfer to Liverpool in 2015 brought Champions League glory in 2019 and another domestic title in 2020.

Upon leaving Anfield in 2023, Milner signed with Brighton and has since made 42 appearances for the Seagulls, extending his stay last summer with a new one-year deal.

Barry’s appearances were split among Aston Villa, Manchester City, Everton and West Bromwich Albion, while Ryan Giggs sits third on the all-time list with 632 appearances, every one of them for Manchester United.