James Milner making Premier League history, more than 23 years on from his debut | OneFootball

James Milner has equalled Gareth Barry’s Premier League appearance record, coming on as a first-half substitute for Brighton & Hove Albion at Aston Villa to play his 653rd top-flight match. The 40-year-old did so at Villa Park on Wednesday, 11 February 2026.

“It’s one of those,” he said. “If I get it, fantastic.” He was speaking to The Athletic at the start of this season.

Milner made his Premier League debut for Leeds in November 2002, then struck at Sunderland on Boxing Day at 16 years and 356 days to become the competition’s youngest scorer. Two days later he turned Marcel Desailly before curling in at Elland Road against Chelsea.

In August last year he converted a penalty in Brighton’s 2-1 win over Manchester City, becoming, at 39 years and 239 days, the Premier League’s second-oldest scorer behind Teddy Sheringham at 40 years and 268 days. He also stands as the competition’s second-youngest scorer after James Vaughan’s 2005 mark of 16 years and 270 days.

Of the 5,094 players to appear in the Premier League since 1992, 49 per cent have played alongside or against him. His career stretches from working under Sir Bobby Robson, born 1933, to current Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler, born 1993.

Milner’s consistency stems from strict habits, including never drinking alcohol and meticulous attention to nutrition, conditioning and recovery, traits colleagues say have kept him in step with younger team-mates. He remains the archetypal team player.

Source: NY Times