James Milner set a new Premier League record by making his 654th appearance during Brighton & Hove Albion FC’s game against Brentford FC on Saturday.
At 40 years old, he beat the record set by former midfielder Gareth Barry, who had made 653 appearances since the 2017–18 season. Milner officially set the record when he was named in the starting lineup at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Milner’s impressive run in the Premier League started over twenty years ago with Leeds United FC, where he made his debut just shy of his 17th birthday. Over the years, he played for Newcastle United FC, Aston Villa FC, Manchester City FC, and Liverpool FC, winning three Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League.
After signing with Brighton in 2023, he got a contract extension that gave him the chance to go after history, even though injuries held him back last season.
Milner is the only player still active in the league’s top 20 for appearances, and he might add even more games to his total. Reaching 700 games is still a possibility for him.
