Premier League legend James Milner has confirmed on social media that the 2025-26 season with Brighton was his final season, bringing an end to his illustrious playing career.
James Milner announces retirement from football (Image: Getty Images)
James Milner, the Premier League’s all-time appearances leader, has announced his retirement from professional football in a heartfelt social media post.
The former Liverpool and Manchester City midfielder will end his illustrious career at the age of 40 at the end of the 2025-26 season. Milner made his senior debut for Leeds in 2002 and joined his last club Brighton from Liverpool in 2023.
He won the Premier League three times, twice with Manchester City and once with the Reds before retiring. His last game was against Manchester United last month.
Milner wrote: “After 24 seasons in the @premierleague, I felt it was the right time to end my playing career. From making my debut at the age of 16 with my childhood side @leedsunited, becoming the Premier League’s youngest goalscorer, to losing my footing last year and then coming back to play in @officialbhafc’s European qualifiers, the journey I’ve had so far has never been more than I could have dreamed of.” He is 40 years old for the second time in history.
“Great to represent @nufc, @astonvilla, @mancity, @liverpoolfc, @officialbhafc and a memorable month at @officialstfc It has been an incredible honor. Each club has played a huge role in my life and career and I would like to thank everyone involved, including the owners, staff, coaches, teammates and supporters who have welcomed me and helped me.
The veteran midfielder continued to reminisce about his career in England. Milner, who has won 61 caps for his country, decided to return to international football after meeting with then manager Sam Allardyce in 2016.
Milner, who has surpassed former Aston Villa and Manchester City teammate Gareth Barry as the Premier League’s most capped player, went on to thank everyone who has supported him over the past 24 years.
He continued: “Thank you to all the fans. Thank you to everyone who supported me every step of the way, your encouragement meant more than you know. And thank you to everyone who gave me grief along the way. You all made this journey memorable and helped shape me as a player and a person.”
Milner won the Premier League and Champions League with Liverpool (Image: Getty Images)
“To my family, thank you for every sacrifice, every mile traveled, and every moment of encouragement. None of this would have been possible without you.” I leave the game with immense pride, gratitude, and memories that will last a lifetime. Football has given me so much more than I ever imagined. I will always be grateful for the opportunities football has provided me. “Thank you to everyone who has joined us on this journey.”
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