Brighton & Hove Albion’s James Milner etched his name into Premier League history on Saturday, becoming the all-time leader in appearances with 654, surpassing Gareth Barry’s previous record of 653. At 40 years old, Milner started in Brighton’s 2-0 victory over Brentford, a testament to his remarkable longevity, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the game.
The milestone was met with widespread praise from those who have shared the pitch with him and witnessed his career firsthand. Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, speaking to ESPN, confessed, “What makes James Milner special? I don’t know where to start, to be honest.” Klopp recounted the nine years they spent together at Liverpool, emphasizing Milner’s integral role in their success. “Of all the success we had at Liverpool, nothing would’ve happened without him. That’s how it is really.”
Milner’s journey began with a debut for Leeds United in 2002, at the age of 16. He’s since played for Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool, and now Brighton, accumulating a wealth of experience and a trophy cabinet that includes three Premier League titles, two FA Cups, two League Cups, and a Champions League title – not to mention the Intertoto Cup. His career has spanned generations of players, even crossing paths with England and Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman, now 62.
What sets Milner apart isn’t just his longevity, but his adaptability. He’s played in virtually every position on the field, a testament to his versatility and understanding of the game. Klopp highlighted this, stating, “He has absolutely everything… He’s good in tight spaces, good in big spaces. He has an incredible attitude.” This willingness to fill any role has undoubtedly contributed to his sustained success.
Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson, now at Brentford, lauded Milner’s mental fortitude. “You could never break him,” Henderson told ESPN. “No matter how bad the situation, no matter what’s thrown at him, I always felt that he would react in the right way and come back stronger, come back better.” This resilience was particularly evident following a career-threatening injury sustained in August 2024 against Arsenal. Nerve damage left him unable to lift his foot or toes, casting doubt on his ability to return to the pitch. However, through diligent rehabilitation with Brighton physio Sean Duggan, he made a remarkable recovery, returning as a substitute in May 2025.
The road to recovery wasn’t easy, but it underscored the unwavering professionalism that has defined Milner’s career. Klopp described him as “probably the most disciplined, stubborn, professional football player I have ever worked with.” This dedication extends beyond the pitch, with teammates noting his meticulous approach to training, nutrition, and recovery. Ashley Young, who played alongside Milner at Aston Villa and for England, remarked, “He’s not [boring] at all. He’s just always busy.”
That relentless pursuit of improvement began early. A school report revealed a 14-year-old Milner weighing his options between golf and soccer, ultimately choosing the latter, inspired by players like Paul Gascoigne and Harry Kewell. Even then, his commitment was evident. Former Premier League referee Jon Moss, who was Milner’s PE teacher, recalled his frustration at schoolboy defeats. “He was just that frustrated by it, though we didn’t get beat very often.”
Milner’s character extends beyond his athletic achievements. He waived a loyalty bonus when leaving Leeds United, hoping to help the financially struggling club. He’s also deeply involved in charitable work through the James Milner Foundation, supporting children’s access to sports. Rugby league coach Kevin Sinfield praised his commitment to helping others, stating, “He’s a wonderful role model for sports people right across the world.”
Despite a reputation for being serious and focused, those who know Milner well dismiss the “boring” label. Nedum Onuoha, a former teammate, explained, “He’s just always busy… He plays into that ‘boring James Milner’ thing, and I think if he was actually boring, he’d probably be more resentful of it.” Klopp echoed this sentiment, noting Milner’s organizational skills and attention to detail. “If you want to have [your vacation] perfectly organized… take James. James will sort it.”
Milner’s record-breaking achievement is a testament to his exceptional talent, unwavering dedication, and remarkable longevity. It’s a milestone that may stand for decades, a fitting tribute to a player who has consistently defied expectations and embodied the spirit of professionalism. As Klopp put it, “Being part of something for eternity is really special.”
