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Brighton midfielder James Milner etched his name into the history books on Saturday, setting a new all-time Premier League record with 654 appearances.
The 40-year-old veteran reached the milestone after being named in Brighton’s starting lineup for their away fixture against Brentford.
With this appearance, Milner officially surpassed the long-standing record of 653 matches previously held by former Manchester City and Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry.
Milner’s journey to the top of the appearance charts spans over two decades, beginning at Leeds United, where he famously became the youngest goalscorer in the league’s history at age 16.
His remarkably durable career has seen him feature for several of England’s most prominent clubs, including Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City, and Liverpool.
Along the way, he has amassed an enviable trophy cabinet, including three Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and a Champions League title.
The achievement drew high praise from Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler, who, at 33, is notably eight years younger than his star midfielder.
Hurzeler described Milner as a consummate professional and a vital role model both on and off the pitch.
He attributed Milner’s longevity to an unwavering discipline and a relentless work ethic, noting that the veteran’s refusal to be satisfied with past successes is precisely what has allowed him to remain competitive at the highest level well into his 40s.
As Milner continues his tenure with Brighton, his record-breaking feat serves as a testament to his elite physical conditioning and tactical versatility.
By moving past Barry, Milner has solidified his legacy as one of the most reliable and enduring figures in the history of English football.
His presence in the Brighton squad remains a key asset, providing a bridge of experience for a team led by the league’s youngest permanent head coach.
