James Milner has etched his name into Premier League history by becoming the competition's all-time appearance record holder, reaching his 654th match in England's top flight during Brighton's 2-0 victory over Brentford on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
The 40-year-old midfielder started the game at the Gtech Community Stadium, surpassing the previous benchmark of 653 appearances set by former Aston Villa and Manchester City star Gareth Barry. Milner, who had equaled Barry's record as a substitute in Brighton's match against Aston Villa on February 11, 2026, received warm applause from both sets of supporters when the milestone was announced before kickoff. He was substituted in the 90th minute, exiting to further acclaim as Brighton secured a much-needed win that ended their six-game winless run in the league.
Brighton's goals came from Diego Gómez in the 30th minute and Danny Welbeck in first-half stoppage time (45'+1'), providing a perfect backdrop for Milner's landmark achievement. The result lifted Brighton to 12th in the table while denting Brentford's hopes of European qualification. Manager Fabian Hürzeler praised Milner's leadership and discipline, noting his continued ability to contribute despite his age and limited starts this season—only three of his 16 league appearances prior to this match had been from the beginning.
Milner's record-breaking journey spans an extraordinary 24 seasons in the Premier League, beginning with his debut for Leeds United in 2002 at just 16 years and 309 days old, making him the youngest player to score in the competition at the time. Over the years, he has represented Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City—where he won three Premier League titles—Liverpool, and now Brighton, whom he joined as a free agent in the summer of 2023 after his Anfield contract expired. He signed a one-year extension in June 2025, allowing him to continue into his 40s.
In total, Milner has amassed 56 goals and 87 assists across his 654 Premier League outings, showcasing remarkable consistency, versatility, and professionalism. Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp once likened reaching such a tally to "landing on the moon," highlighting the rarity and magnitude of the feat.
Post-match, Milner expressed gratitude rather than focusing solely on the personal milestone. He told reporters he felt fortunate to reach this point through sustained "drive and hunger," but quickly shifted emphasis to the team's performance and the collective achievement of ending their barren run. "It's a great day for him to show us again why he is the record-holder regarding the Premier League games," Hürzeler added, underscoring Milner's enduring value as a role model and squad contributor.
The milestone has drawn widespread praise across football, with tributes from clubs like Liverpool, the Premier League's official channels, and media outlets including BBC Sport, ESPN, Sky Sports, The Athletic, and The Guardian. Fans and pundits have hailed Milner as a "timeless" figure whose longevity defies typical career trajectories, crediting his fitness regime, adaptability, and mental resilience.
Brighton's win provided an ideal celebration, easing pressure on Hürzeler amid recent struggles and reaffirming Milner's place in the squad despite his veteran status. As he continues to play, questions arise about how far the record might extend—Milner has hinted he still feels capable of contributing meaningful minutes.
This achievement stands as a testament to dedication in modern football, where careers often shorten due to intensity and competition. Milner's record, built across multiple clubs and eras, is seen by many as one of the Premier League's most enduring and inspirational benchmarks.
