Many years in Jürgen Klopp’s team
Record player James Milner ends his career
June 1, 2026 – 6:34 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
At the age of 40, James Milner ends his career – as the record player in the Premier League. He himself describes what moves him in unusually clear words.
After 24 years in the Premier League, English footballer James Milner has ended his career. The 40-year-old played a total of 658 games in England’s top flight – more than any other player in the history of the competition.
Milner played for six top division clubs: Leeds United, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool FC and most recently Brighton & Hove Albion. He played 61 international matches for England and took part in two European Championships and two World Cups. After three seasons at Brighton, he would have been out of contract from July.
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His career began in 2002 at Leeds United. In his first season, at the age of 16, he became the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history. In total he won twelve titles, including three championships – two with Manchester City and one with Liverpool FC. He also won the Champions League with the Reds in 2019 under coach Jürgen Klopp.
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The German coach never made a secret of his admiration for Milner. The variable Englishman is “probably the most disciplined, stubborn and professional football player I have ever worked with,” Klopp once enthused. They worked together at the “Reds” for almost eight years.
Milner said on social media: “I’ve been lucky enough to experience some unforgettable moments – from fighting for survival to winning trophies, from playing in Europe to representing my country at two European Championships and two World Cups.” And further: “I say goodbye to football with great pride, gratitude and memories that will accompany me throughout my life.”
