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Brighton midfielder James Milner has equalled the Premier League’s all-time appearance record after featuring in his 653rd match during Wednesday’s fixture against Aston Villa at Villa Park.
The milestone came when the 40-year-old was introduced as a first-half substitute, a moment that placed him alongside former Aston Villa and Manchester City midfielder Gareth Barry at the summit of the league’s appearance charts. With that outing, Milner drew level with Barry for the most matches played in the competition’s history, underlining a career defined by durability and tactical intelligence.
Across his 653 appearances, Milner has started 435 matches and come off the bench 218 times. Even in the later stages of his career, he has remained a dependable squad option. This season alone, he has made 15 top-flight appearances for Brighton, 13 of them as a substitute, continuing to offer experience and composure when called upon.
Milner’s Premier League journey began in 2002 when he made his debut for Leeds United as a teenager. Since then, he has been part of title-winning campaigns with Liverpool and Manchester City, contributing to championship-winning squads at both clubs. His longevity has spanned more than two decades in England’s top division, a rare achievement in modern football.
Should Milner feature in Brighton’s next league fixture against Brentford on February 21, he will surpass Barry to become the outright record holder for the most Premier League appearances — a landmark that would further cement his status as one of the competition’s most enduring professionals.
