According to a post shared on Liverpool’s official X handle, James Milner has officially announced his retirement from professional football, ending one of the most decorated and enduring careers in Premier League history.
Liverpool posted:
James Milner has announced his retirement from football. Congratulations on an incredible career, James ❤️
Softfootball confirms The former England national football team international retires as the player with the most Premier League appearances ever, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable journey that spanned 24 years and six top-flight clubs and broke the record for most Premier League appearances in February.
Milner’s trophy haul includes;
🏆🏆🏆 Premier League
🏆🏆 FA Cup
🏆🏆 Community Shield
🏆🏆 League Cup
🏆 Champions League
After making his Premier League debut for Leeds United at just 16 years old in 2002, Milner went on to represent Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion.
His most successful spells came with Manchester City and Liverpool, winning league titles with both clubs and helping Liverpool end their 30-year wait for a top-flight crown in 2020. He also played a key role in the Reds’ Champions League triumph in 2019.
On the international stage, Milner earned 61 caps for England after making his senior debut in 2009.
His final Premier League appearance came for Brighton during the closing stages of the 2025/26 season, taking his record tally to 658 league matches.
From a teenage prodigy at Leeds to one of English football’s most respected professionals, Milner leaves the game as a model of consistency, versatility and longevity, with a legacy that will be remembered across generations.
It is now confirmed that Ibrahima Konaté will leave Liverpool as a free agent, with no final agreement reached after months of negotiations.
