653 And Counting: James Milner Etches Premier League History With Record Appearance

Last Updated:February 12, 2026, 11:17 IST

James Milner equaled Gareth Barry’s record of 653 Premier League games, having spent spells across six different PL clubs; one more appearance will set a new record.

‘Boring’ James Milner? Nah, it’s ‘Evergreen’ James Milner.

The seemingly-unbreakable Englishman just pulled level with history — and he’s not done yet.

The Brighton midfielder made his 653rd Premier League appearance on Wednesday night, coming off the bench in the 22nd minute against Aston Villa to replace the injured Carlos Baleba.

That single step onto the pitch saw him match Gareth Barry’s long-standing record for the most appearances in Premier League history.

For years, Barry’s number felt untouchable. Now, Milner needs just one more outing to stand alone at the top.

There’s symmetry to it, too. Milner and Barry shared the pitch 130 times in the Premier League during spells together at Aston Villa and Manchester City.

Barry retired in 2020 at 39, though he briefly came out of retirement last season for local amateur side Hurstpierpoint, even scoring in a 2-2 draw.

Milner, meanwhile, keeps going at the highest level.

Now 40, he is in his 24th Premier League season — the longest career span in the competition’s history.

He made his debut for Leeds United back in 2002 and has since turned out for Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool and now Brighton.

His trophy cabinet includes two Premier League titles with City and another with Liverpool. Along the way, he’s racked up 94 league appearances for Newcastle, 147 for City and 230 for Liverpool, plus lengthy spells elsewhere.

Though his role at Brighton this season has mostly been late-game cameos, making 15 league appearances in 2025-26 so far, his value goes beyond minutes played.

“It is a special night for James. It’s no coincidence that he’s still proving he can play in the Premier League," Brighton boss Fabian Huerzeler said.

“It’s a pleasure to work with him and have him in our squad as a player and role model."

One more appearance, and the record is his alone.

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