- - Brighton midfielder James Milner ties Premier League all-time appearance record

Seth Vertelney, USA TODAY February 12, 2026 at 1:43 AM

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Brighton midfielder James Milner has made the 653rd Premier League appearance of his career, tying Gareth Barry for the league's all-time record.

Milner came on as a 22nd-minute substitute against Aston Villa on Wednesday, Feb. 11, bringing him level with Barry's record.

The 40-year-old midfielder has enjoyed one of the most successful careers in Premier League history. This season is remarkably his 24th campaign in the English top flight.

Though he's only made two league starts the season, Milner has still been a regular for the Seagulls. The veteran has played in 15 league matches this campaign, missing a month with a muscle injury.

Milner has represented Leeds, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton during his Premier League career, winning three league titles — two with City (2011–12, 2013–14) and one with Liverpool (2019-20).

Milner made his debut in 2002, coming on for Leeds against West Ham at age 16 years and 309 days, making him at the time the second-youngest player ever to play in the Premier League.

Speaking last week, Brighton coach Fabian Hürzeler was full of praise for Milner.

"He is a role model and a great character to work with. Playing and training at the level he plays, it is incredible what he is doing," Hürzeler said.

"I think [the record] will be a special thing for him but he is also focused on the ambitions of the club."

Most all-time Premier League appearances -

Gareth Barry – 653

James Milner – 653

Ryan Giggs – 632

Frank Lampard – 609

David James – 572

Gary Speed – 535

Emile Heskey – 516

Mark Schwarzer – 514

Jamie Carragher – 508

Phil Neville – 505

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: James Milner ties Premier League all-time appearance record

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