Statistics

Milner goes joint-second in all-time appearance charts

2 Jan 2024
James Milner, Brighton

Midfielder moves level with Ryan Giggs on 632 matches after playing for Brighton at West Ham

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James Milner moved joint-second in the Premier League’s all-time appearance charts after starting for Brighton & Hove Albion at West Ham United on Tuesday night. 

The 37-year-old, who joined Brighton from Liverpool on a free transfer last summer, played his 632nd match in the competition, moving level with Ryan Giggs.

See: Appearance charts and more stats

Coming through the Leeds United Academy, Milner made his Premier League debut on 10 November 2002, as a substitute against West Ham, at the age of 16. That made him the second-youngest player to play in the Premier League at the time.

Milner then became the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history when he scored in a 2-1 victory over Sunderland on Boxing Day that same year at the age of 16 years and 309 days.

The midfielder went on to play for Newcastle United (2004-2008), Aston Villa (2008-2010), Manchester City (2010-2015) and Liverpool (2015-2023).

Following his appearance on Tuesday, he is only 20 matches short of equalling the record, set by former Villa team-mate Gareth Barry, with 652.

Brighton have only 18 matches left now, meaning Milner cannot break the record this season. 

Milner is on a one-year contract at Brighton, but the Seagulls do have an option to extend it by a further 12 months.

Most Premier League appearances
Player Appearances
Gareth Barry 652
Ryan Giggs 632
James Milner 632
Frank Lampard 609
David James 572
Milner's Premier League career
Club Appearances Goals Assists
Leeds 48 5 0
Newcastle 94 6 8
Aston Villa 100 12 28
Man City 147 13 25
Liverpool 230 19 26
Brighton 13 0 2

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