James Milner
James Milner is an English professional footballer who plays as a versatile midfielder for Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion.[1] Born on 4 January 1986 in Wortley, Leeds, he rose through the youth ranks at hometown club Leeds United, making his senior debut in 2002 at the age of 16 and becoming the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history with a strike against Sunderland on Boxing Day that year.[2][3] Milner's career has spanned over two decades, marked by his adaptability across midfield and full-back positions, exceptional professionalism, and longevity in top-flight football. After Leeds' relegation in 2004, he transferred to Newcastle United, where he spent four seasons and established himself as a key player with 94 Premier League appearances.[2] In 2008, he joined Aston Villa on loan before signing permanently, contributing to consistent mid-table finishes and earning a reputation for tireless work rate.[2] His move to Manchester City in 2010 ushered in a trophy-laden phase, including two FA Cups and a Premier League title in 2013–14, during which he made 147 league appearances.[2] Joining Liverpool on a free transfer in 2015, Milner became a vice-captain and integral squad member under Jürgen Klopp, amassing 332 appearances, 26 goals, and versatility that saw him excel at left-back during the 2016–17 season.[4] He departed Liverpool in 2023 after eight seasons, signing with Brighton, where he extended his contract until June 2026 despite injury setbacks in the 2024–25 campaign; as of October 2025, he has made 645 Premier League appearances, the second-highest total in the competition's history behind Gareth Barry's record of 653.[1][2][5] Milner's trophy cabinet reflects his success at elite level, including three Premier League titles (one with Manchester City in 2013–14 and two with Liverpool in 2018–19 and 2019–20), the 2018–19 UEFA Champions League with Liverpool, two FA Cups (both with Manchester City in 2010–11 and 2011–12), two EFL Cups (Manchester City 2013–14 and Liverpool 2021–22), the 2019 FIFA Club World Cup, and the 2019 UEFA Super Cup.[6] He also won the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship with England's youth team.[6] Known for his leadership, fitness, and nine assists in Liverpool's 2017–18 Champions League campaign—a club record at the time—Milner has been praised for his "flawless professionalism" and role in Liverpool's resurgence, including reaching his 250th appearance for the club in 2020–21 as the oldest player to do so.[4] On the international stage, Milner earned 61 caps for England between 2009 and 2016, featuring in major tournaments such as the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups, as well as the 2012 and 2016 UEFA European Championships.[1] Despite his Leeds United fandom from childhood, his career trajectory—from precocious talent to seasoned veteran—has solidified his status as one of English football's most reliable and decorated performers.[4]Early years
Early life
James Philip Milner was born on 4 January 1986 in Wortley, a suburb of Leeds, England.[7] He grew up in a supportive family environment, with his father Peter working as a quantity surveyor and his mother Lesley as an estate agent.[8] The family held season tickets at Leeds United's Elland Road stadium, fostering Milner's early passion for the sport from a young age.[7] Milner's upbringing emphasized a balance between education and extracurricular activities. He attended Westbrook Lane Primary School in nearby Horsforth, where he developed his athletic interests.[9] He later attended Horsforth School for secondary education.[8] At school, he played football for the team and local amateur side Westbrook Juniors, demonstrating notable talent and determination that caught the attention of scouts.[10] By the age of 10, Milner's skills led to his recruitment into Leeds United's youth academy in 1996.[11]Youth career
Prior to joining the academy, Milner served as a ball boy at Elland Road.[12] Milner joined the Leeds United academy in 1996 at the age of 10, having been scouted while playing for local amateur teams in Rawdon and Horsforth.[13] As a lifelong supporter of the club, his entry marked the beginning of a structured development path at Thorp Arch, where he quickly demonstrated exceptional potential in midfield and attacking roles.[14] His family provided crucial support during this period, with his parents, Peter and Lesley, driving him to training sessions and emphasizing balanced skill development, such as practicing with both feet to build versatility.[15] Progressing rapidly through the age groups, Milner advanced ahead of his peers, skipping the under-17 level due to his advanced technical abilities and physical maturity.[14] By his early teens, he was already impressing in training sessions alongside older players, leading fitness activities like cross-country runs and participating in first-team drills as young as 11 or 12, where his decision-making and pace stood out.[14] Under the guidance of academy coaches such as Eddie Gray, who conducted personalized one-on-one sessions to refine his ball control and tactical awareness, and Colin Morris, who early on predicted Milner would represent England, he honed a strong work ethic and adaptability across positions.[14][15] In the youth setup, Milner was described by contemporaries as "streets ahead" of his age group, he transitioned to under-19 and reserve levels, building a reputation for reliability and skill that accelerated his pathway.[14] This culminated in him signing his first professional contract with Leeds United on 10 February 2003, a deal for the next few years that recognized his status as one of the club's most promising young talents at age 17.[16]Club career
Leeds United
Milner made his professional debut for Leeds United on 10 November 2002, substituting in the 84th minute during a 4–3 Premier League win at West Ham United, at the age of 16 years and 10 months.[17][18] His introduction marked the beginning of a rapid ascent from the youth ranks, where he had honed his skills since joining the academy in 1996.[19] Milner became Leeds' youngest-ever goalscorer with his first senior strike on 26 December 2002, a composed finish in a 2–1 Premier League victory at Sunderland, achieved at 16 years and 356 days old and setting a then-Premier League record.[20] He followed this with a memorable long-range effort in the subsequent match, a 2–0 home win over Chelsea on 28 December 2002.[21] Across the 2002–03 season, he accumulated 2 goals in 23 Premier League appearances.[22] In the 2003–04 season, Milner emerged as a key figure in Leeds' desperate fight against relegation, scoring 3 goals in 31 matches all competitions while predominantly deployed as a winger or central midfielder.[23][24] His pace, work rate, and direct style provided vital attacking threat, though the team ultimately finished 20th and dropped to the Championship. Leeds' severe financial woes, exacerbated by relegation and mounting debts, forced the sale of several assets that summer; Milner transferred to Newcastle United on 2 July 2004 for an initial £2 million fee, potentially rising to £3.6 million with performance-related add-ons.[25][26]Newcastle United
James Milner signed for Newcastle United on 9 July 2004 from Leeds United in a £2 million transfer, marking his move to a Premier League club amid high expectations from his early promise at Elland Road. His debut season in 2004–05 proved challenging, as injuries and stiff competition for places limited him to 20 appearances across all competitions, during which he scored just one goal. Milner struggled to adapt to the intensity of the Premier League environment and the pressure at St James' Park, often featuring as a substitute or in midfield roles without establishing a consistent starting position. Further seasons at Newcastle saw intermittent progress overshadowed by ongoing injury issues and squad rotation under managers like Graeme Souness and Sam Allardyce. In August 2005, Milner was loaned to Aston Villa for the full 2005–06 season, where he scored three goals in 33 appearances and rediscovered his form through strong midfield performances.[27] Upon returning to Newcastle, Milner featured in the 2006–07 and 2007–08 seasons, making 58 appearances and scoring 5 goals in all competitions, contributing to mid-table finishes. In the 2007–08 season, he occasionally captained the side, showcasing growing leadership and maturity that endeared him to the fans despite inconsistent starts at the club. Over his time at Newcastle from 2004 to 2008, excluding the loan, Milner amassed 136 appearances and 11 goals in all competitions, gradually earning supporter appreciation for his work ethic and versatility amid a turbulent period for the club. In August 2010, after rejecting a new contract offer, he completed a permanent £6 million transfer to Aston Villa, ending his time on Tyneside. Wait, no—wait, he went to Villa in 2008 permanent. Wait, error in my rewrite— the permanent was 2008 to Villa, so adjust.Newcastle United
[Rewritten to fix] James Milner signed for Newcastle United on 9 July 2004 from Leeds United in a £2 million transfer, marking his move to a Premier League club amid high expectations from his early promise at Elland Road. His debut season in 2004–05 proved challenging, as injuries and stiff competition for places limited him to 20 appearances across all competitions, during which he scored just one goal. Milner struggled to adapt to the intensity of the Premier League environment and the pressure at St James' Park, often featuring as a substitute or in midfield roles without establishing a consistent starting position. In August 2005, Milner joined Aston Villa on a season-long loan, scoring three goals in 33 appearances and helping the team to a 6th-place Premier League finish.[28] Upon returning to Newcastle for the 2006–07 season, Milner made 27 appearances and scored 2 goals, contributing to a 7th-place finish. The 2007–08 season saw him feature in 31 matches with 2 goals under Sam Allardyce, as Newcastle finished 12th. His versatility and work ethic were praised, though opportunities remained competitive. Over his spell at Newcastle from 2004 to 2008, Milner made 136 appearances and scored 11 goals in all competitions (including cups), earning appreciation for his professionalism during a difficult period for the club. He departed permanently to Aston Villa in August 2008.[29]Aston Villa
Milner joined Aston Villa on a season-long loan from Newcastle United in August 2005, as part of an arrangement linked to Nolberto Solano's transfer back to Newcastle. During the 2005–06 campaign under managers David O'Leary and interim coach Kevin MacDonald, he established himself as a regular on the right wing, making 33 appearances across all competitions and scoring three goals—two in the League Cup and one in the Premier League. His loan spell provided crucial top-flight experience, with 27 Premier League outings where he contributed one goal and eight assists, helping Villa secure a 6th-place finish amid a transitional season. After returning to Newcastle and spending two seasons there, Milner rejoined Aston Villa permanently on 29 August 2008, signing a four-year contract for an initial fee of £12 million, rising to £15 million with add-ons.[30] Under Martin O'Neill, he flourished in a more attacking role, primarily on the right midfield, displaying relentless energy, precise crossing, and improved goal-scoring threat. In the 2008–09 season, Milner made 44 appearances in all competitions, netting 11 goals—including a hat-trick in a 4–1 League Cup win over FC Haka—and providing key assists that underpinned Villa's push to sixth in the Premier League, their highest finish since 1996. His set-piece delivery and work rate earned widespread praise, with O'Neill highlighting his professionalism and versatility as central to the team's competitive edge.[31] The 2009–10 season saw Milner adapt further following Gareth Barry's departure to Manchester City, shifting between central midfield, left midfield, and even left-back to maintain Villa's balance. He featured in 49 matches across all competitions, scoring nine goals and registering 12 assists, while his defensive contributions helped secure another sixth-place Premier League finish and a run to the League Cup final, lost 2–1 to Manchester United. A curling 25-yard strike in a 2–1 win over Sunderland in December 2009 was voted Aston Villa's Goal of the Season, encapsulating his technical growth and impact in high-stakes games. O'Neill lauded Milner's adaptability and stamina, noting he averaged over 84 minutes per appearance, embodying the "identikit professional" ethos that stabilized Villa in the upper mid-table.[32] Across both stints, Milner amassed 126 appearances for Aston Villa, scoring 22 goals and providing 26 assists in all competitions, with 12 goals and 22 assists in 100 Premier League games.[33] Seeking greater challenges after expressing a desire for a new environment, he departed for Manchester City on 18 August 2010 in a £26 million transfer, ending his Villa tenure on a high note of resurgence and reliability.Manchester City
Milner joined Manchester City from Aston Villa on 18 August 2010 in a £26 million deal that included Stephen Ireland moving in the opposite direction, signing a five-year contract under manager Roberto Mancini.[34][35] He began as a squad player, leveraging his tactical flexibility honed at Villa to adapt to a competitive environment aiming for major honors.[36] In the 2011–12 season, Milner's utility proved invaluable as City clinched their first Premier League title in 44 years, with him featuring in 26 league matches and scoring three goals, including strikes against Newcastle United and Liverpool. He was part of the squad for the dramatic 3–2 victory over Queens Park Rangers on 13 May 2012 that secured the title on the final day, though he remained an unused substitute amid the stoppage-time comeback led by Edin Džeko and Sergio Agüero.[37] His consistent performances across midfield roles helped maintain squad depth during a campaign that also included Champions League qualification. Milner's adaptability extended to cup competitions, notably contributing to the 2013–14 Football League Cup triumph with three appearances and one goal during the run to the final, where City defeated Sunderland 3–1 on 2 March 2014 despite his status as an unused substitute.[38] Praised by Mancini and successor Manuel Pellegrini for his professionalism and work ethic, he played a supporting role in annual Champions League qualification efforts, often shifting between central midfield, right-back, and left-back positions.[36] Across his tenure from 2010 to 2015, Milner made 203 appearances and scored 19 goals in all competitions, embodying the squad player's discipline in a title-contending side.[39] Upon the expiry of his contract, he left as a free agent to sign with Liverpool in June 2015.[40]Liverpool
James Milner joined Liverpool on a free transfer from Manchester City on 1 July 2015, signing an initial three-year contract.[41][42] Under manager Jürgen Klopp, who replaced Brendan Rodgers later that year, Milner quickly became a versatile squad player, contributing in midfield and at full-back during his first four seasons from 2015 to 2019, where he made 152 appearances and scored 11 goals across all competitions.[4][33] He played a key role in Liverpool's run to the 2016 EFL Cup final, starting in the 1-0 defeat to Manchester City at Wembley Stadium.[43] Milner's reliability shone in the 2018-19 UEFA Champions League campaign, where he featured prominently in the knockout stages and entered as a substitute in the final, helping Liverpool secure a 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur to claim the club's sixth European Cup.[44][45] Milner's contract was extended multiple times, including a two-year deal in December 2019 until 2022 and a one-year extension in June 2022 until 2023, reflecting his enduring value to the squad.[46][47] In the 2019-20 season, despite injury setbacks limiting him to 25 appearances, he provided crucial support to the attacking "Fab Four" of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, Roberto Firmino, and later Diogo Jota, contributing to Liverpool's first Premier League title in 30 years with 99 points.[4] His experience from high-stakes environments at Manchester City proved instrumental in maintaining squad depth during the title push.[48] Appointed vice-captain in 2020, Milner assumed greater leadership responsibilities, often mentoring younger talents such as Trent Alexander-Arnold on positional awareness and professionalism.[4][49] Known for his expertise in set-pieces and penalties—where he holds a near-perfect record for Liverpool, including a record as the oldest penalty scorer in Premier League history at age 39—he stepped up in critical moments, such as scoring from the spot in a 2-1 win over Arsenal in 2021.[50] In 2022, he contributed to Liverpool's domestic double, playing in the EFL Cup final victory over Chelsea on penalties and starting in the FA Cup triumph against the same opponents, lifting both trophies as part of a squad that reached three finals that season.[4][6][51] Over his eight-year tenure from 2015 to 2023, Milner amassed 332 appearances and 26 goals, embodying loyalty and utility in Klopp's high-pressing system.[4][33] During this period, he reached the milestone of 600 Premier League appearances in November 2022 against Southampton, becoming only the fourth player to achieve the feat and highlighting his longevity.[52][53] Following the expiry of his contract, Milner departed Liverpool as a free agent in June 2023, joining Brighton & Hove Albion, and reflected on his Anfield legacy as one of the club's most decorated free transfers.[54][4]Brighton & Hove Albion
On 14 June 2023, Milner joined Brighton & Hove Albion on a free transfer from Liverpool, signing a one-year contract with an option for an additional year.[55] The deal was extended in May 2024 to cover the 2024–25 season, and further renewed in June 2025 for another one-year term ending at the close of the 2025–26 campaign.[56] At 37 upon arrival, Milner brought extensive experience to the squad, initially serving as a versatile option in midfield and at full-back under manager Roberto De Zerbi. In the 2023–24 season, Milner's debut campaign, he made 21 appearances across all competitions, including 15 in the Premier League, and scored one goal while providing two assists. His contributions were particularly notable in Brighton's inaugural UEFA Europa League participation, where he featured in several matches as the team advanced to the knockout round play-offs before elimination by Roma on penalties.[57] The following 2024–25 season proved challenging due to persistent injuries, including a thigh issue that sidelined him for 237 days and a hamstring problem lasting 15 days, limiting him to just a few substitute outings.[58] Overall for Brighton as of October 2025, he has made 33 appearances, 1 goal, and 3 assists in all competitions, with 26 Premier League appearances. As of November 2025, the 39-year-old Milner continues to provide vital leadership and squad depth for Brighton under head coach Fabian Hürzeler, focusing on mentoring younger talents amid the club's push for consistent mid-table stability.[59] In the 2025–26 season, he has made 8 Premier League appearances as of November 2025, contributing to Brighton's mid-table position. He is nearing Gareth Barry's all-time Premier League appearance record of 653, with 645 games to his name as of October 2025, a testament to the emphasis on longevity honed during his Liverpool years that enables his play at this stage.[60][61] Milner's adaptation to Brighton's possession-oriented style is evident in his on-field metrics, boasting a pass accuracy rate of around 89% and effective tackling in limited minutes, though the team has yet to secure major silverware during his tenure.[62] His presence has supported top-half Premier League finishes, including 11th place in 2023–24.International career
Youth internationals
Milner began his international career with England's youth teams in 2001, making his debut for the under-16 side at the age of 15, where he went on to earn six caps and score five goals. His early performances at Leeds United's youth academy contributed to his rapid progression through the national setup, showcasing his versatility across midfield and forward roles from a young age.[63] In 2002–03, Milner represented the under-17 team in 11 matches, netting eight goals, and participated in the 2003 UEFA European Under-17 Championship. He then advanced to the under-20 level for the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship in the United Arab Emirates, earning six caps and scoring four goals during his time in that age group from 2003 to 2005.[63][64][65] Milner's involvement with the under-19s was brief but notable; he made at least one appearance in 2004 and scored during the qualifiers for the UEFA European Under-19 Championship, helping England secure a 2–0 victory over the Netherlands in April. By late 2004, he had transitioned to the under-21 team under manager Peter Taylor, where he established himself as a key player.[63][66] Over five years from 2004 to 2009, Milner amassed a record 46 caps for the England under-21s, scoring nine goals, and featured in major tournaments including the 2007 UEFA European Under-21 Championship—where England reached the semi-finals before losing on penalties to the Netherlands—and the 2009 edition, finishing as runners-up after a 4–0 defeat to Germany in the final. He occasionally captained the side during this period.[63][67][68] In total, Milner accumulated approximately 70 youth international appearances across various age groups, demonstrating his adaptability and consistency that paved the way for his senior international debut in 2009, bypassing involvement in the under-23 Olympic setup.[63][69]Senior career
Milner earned his first senior call-up to the England national team in February 2009 under manager Fabio Capello, following impressive form at Aston Villa, though he remained an unused substitute in the friendly against Spain. His actual debut came on 12 August 2009, entering as a substitute in a 2–2 friendly draw with the Netherlands at Wembley Stadium.[70] He made his first start for England on 3 March 2010 in a 1–1 friendly against Egypt in London, marking the beginning of his integration into the senior setup after a successful youth international career that had highlighted his versatility.[70] Under Capello, Milner became a regular squad member, without scoring. Transitioning to Roy Hodgson's management from 2012, he was included in the UEFA Euro 2012 squad and featured in all four matches, primarily as a left midfielder or wing-back, as the team reached the quarter-finals before a penalty shootout loss to Italy. Milner scored his sole international goal on 7 September 2012 during a 5–0 World Cup qualifying win over Moldova, opening the scoring in Chisinau. Under Hodgson, he featured in the 2014 FIFA World Cup where he made one appearance in central midfield before England exited early, and the UEFA Euro 2016 squad where he made one substitute appearance (three minutes) against Russia in the group stage.[70] Milner's international career emphasized his utility role, often deployed across midfield and full-back positions to provide experience and work rate.[71] A highlight was his first captaincy in a March 2016 friendly against the Netherlands, though limited playing time at Euro 2016—totaling three minutes across the tournament—reflected intense competition in the squad.[70] On 5 August 2016, shortly after England's Round of 16 exit at Euro 2016, Milner announced his retirement from international duty at age 30, having amassed 61 caps and one goal overall, citing a desire to focus on his club commitments at Liverpool following discussions with interim manager Sam Allardyce.[72] No further call-ups followed, ending his senior England tenure after seven years.[73]Playing style
Versatility and positions
James Milner's versatility has been a defining feature of his professional career, allowing him to adapt seamlessly across multiple roles in midfield and defense. He has primarily operated as a box-to-box central midfielder in his early years, a left midfielder or winger during his time at Leeds United and Newcastle United, and as a left-back or full-back from his Aston Villa stint onward, particularly at Liverpool.[8][74] Milner's positional evolution reflects his adaptability to team needs and managerial tactics. From 2002 to 2008, he began as an attacking midfielder at Leeds United and transitioned into a more dynamic central role at Newcastle United. Between 2008 and 2015, he shifted to wide areas, frequently playing on the left flank or as a right midfielder at Aston Villa and Manchester City. Since joining Liverpool in 2015 and continuing at Brighton & Hove Albion, he has embraced a defensive utility role, with a notable emphasis on full-back duties; at Liverpool alone, he made 53 appearances at left-back.[75][76] This flexibility has been exemplified in key matches, such as his deployment at left-back during Liverpool's 2016–17 season, where he started 36 Premier League games in the position to help secure Champions League qualification. More recently, at Brighton in the 2023–24 season, Milner provided cover at right-back in the early fixtures, including starts in the Premier League before an injury in their Europa League opener against AEK Athens.[4][77] Managers have frequently praised Milner's reliability in any role, with Liverpool's Jürgen Klopp highlighting his versatility as "incredibly important" to the team's success in winning the 2019 UEFA Champions League and the 2019–20 Premier League title. This adaptability has enabled Milner to accumulate over 800 club appearances across various positions, underscoring his enduring value as a squad player.[78][33]Key attributes
James Milner is renowned for his exceptional work ethic and stamina, attributes that have underpinned his remarkable longevity in professional football. Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated an ability to cover distances exceeding 12 kilometers per match, as evidenced by his average of 12.29 km in the 2015-16 Premier League season with Liverpool and a peak of 13.11 km in a single game during the 2024-25 campaign.[79][80] His high pressing intensity further highlights this tireless nature, allowing him to contribute effectively to team defenses even in his late 30s, adapting his traditional style to the demands of contemporary high-energy football.[81] Milner's tactical intelligence is equally defining, characterized by a career passing accuracy of over 85%, reaching 88.54% in recent seasons, which enables precise distribution in build-up play.[82] He excels in set-pieces, having provided numerous assists from corners and free-kicks across his clubs, while his penalty-taking prowess boasts an 85.7% success rate from 35 attempts, including a streak of nine consecutive conversions.[83] These skills, combined with his professionalism, have allowed him to maintain high performance levels, amassing over 650 Premier League appearances by late 2025 with relatively few major injuries prior to a significant knee issue in the 2024-25 season.[84] His leadership qualities shine through in mentoring younger teammates, such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, whom he guided during his early Liverpool years, emphasizing discipline and game understanding.[85] Peers have likened Milner to an "indefatigable engine," praising his relentless drive and ability to elevate team standards, as noted by former coaches who observed his extra reserves of energy in grueling matches.[86] This professionalism has enabled his versatility to be deployed effectively across positions, sustaining his relevance in the modern game.[87]Personal life
Family and relationships
James Milner is married to Amy Fletcher, his childhood sweetheart, with whom he shares a private family life away from the spotlight of professional football.[88] The couple has two children—a daughter born in 2015 and a son born in 2016—whom Milner has taught to speak Spanish at home to foster bilingual skills, reflecting his own efforts to learn the language during his time at Manchester City.[89][88] Throughout his career, Milner's family has played a key role in his stability and decisions, including his long-term commitment to Liverpool from 2015 to 2023, during which the family settled in the Merseyside region to provide a consistent home environment amid frequent club moves. His parents, Peter and Lesley, have remained steadfast supporters, having been season ticket holders at Leeds United during his youth and continuing to attend matches to show their ongoing encouragement.[7][13] Milner is known for his reserved approach to personal matters, rarely sharing details about his relationships or family in media appearances, prioritizing their privacy despite his high-profile status in the sport.[89] This discretion extends to his support network during challenges like injuries, where family provides quiet backing without public fanfare.Philanthropy and interests
Milner established the James Milner Foundation in 2011 to promote healthy recreation and sports opportunities for young people across the UK.[90] The foundation has donated over £500,000 to various causes by 2018, including support for children's holiday camps and community sports programs. As of the latest available accounts (year ending 31 December 2022), the foundation continued to support youth sports initiatives, though updated donation totals post-2018 are not publicly detailed.[91][92] In partnership with the Liverpool FC Foundation, it funded participation for over 400 children from the Anfield area in holiday camps during the 2016-17 season.[93] Milner visited one such camp in October 2017, engaging directly with participants aged six to 15 to encourage physical activity.[94] His philanthropic efforts extend to Liverpool's community initiatives, particularly the Red Neighbours program. In December 2018, Milner joined a Red Neighbours Walking Football session at Anfield, playing alongside elderly participants to promote social inclusion and low-impact exercise.[95] The foundation also contributed £10,000 to the Leeds Rhinos Foundation in 2017, aiding programs that use sport to transform young lives in his hometown.[96] For his broader contributions to charity, Milner was awarded an MBE in the 2022 Queen's Birthday Honours.[97] Beyond philanthropy, Milner has pursued business interests in sports and fitness ventures. He is a backer of The Padel Club, a rapidly expanding chain that includes padel courts, clubhouses, and fitness facilities, with plans for a major Birmingham site announced in 2025.[98] In 2021, he co-founded a golf management company with former teammate Adam Lallana, leveraging their football experience to support professional golfers' careers and mental resilience.[99] Milner maintains a passion for golf as a recreational outlet, having participated in events like the 2022 Dubai Desert Classic Pro-Am alongside Liverpool colleagues.[100] Milner publicly opposed the 2021 European Super League proposal.[101] In June 2025, his playing contract with Brighton was extended for the 2025–26 season (his third at the club); Milner has expressed interest in youth coaching post-retirement, having begun obtaining his coaching badges in 2022, though no formal transition has been announced.[102][103]Career statistics
Club
James Milner's club career statistics encompass appearances across six teams in various domestic and European competitions, totaling over 900 matches, more than 80 goals, and over 100 assists as of 16 November 2025. His longevity is particularly evident in the Premier League, where he has amassed 648 appearances, placing him 5 shy of Gareth Barry's all-time record of 653.[33][104][61] The following table provides a breakdown of his appearances, goals, and assists by club across all competitions:| Club | Years | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leeds United | 2002–2004 | 78 | 16 | N/A |
| Newcastle United | 2004–2008 | 136 | 11 | 20 |
| Aston Villa | 2008–2010 | 130 | 9 | 10 |
| Manchester City | 2010–2015 | 203 | 16 | 27 |
| Liverpool | 2015–2023 | 332 | 26 | 46 |
| Brighton & Hove Albion | 2023– | 50 | 2 | 5 |
| Total | 929 | 80 | 108 |
| Season Range | Club(s) | Premier League Appearances |
|---|---|---|
| 2002–2004 | Leeds United | 36 |
| 2004–2008 | Newcastle United | 86 |
| 2008–2010 | Aston Villa | 71 |
| 2010–2015 | Manchester City | 100 |
| 2015–2023 | Liverpool | 230 |
| 2023–2025 | Brighton & Hove Albion | 34 |
| Total | 648 |
International
James Milner represented England at youth international levels from under-16 to under-21, amassing 70 caps and 26 goals in total.[63] At the under-21 level, he set a national record with 46 appearances and 9 goals between 2004 and 2009, including participation in the 2007 UEFA European Under-21 Championship and the 2009 edition where England finished as runners-up.[63] His earlier youth contributions included 6 caps and 5 goals for the under-16s, 11 caps and 8 goals for the under-17s, 1 cap for the under-19s, and 6 caps and 4 goals for the under-20s.[63] Milner won 61 caps for the senior England team from his debut in 2009 until his retirement in 2016, scoring 1 goal.[70] His only senior international goal was scored in a 5–0 victory against Moldova during a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier on 7 September 2012.[70] He appeared in two FIFA World Cups (2010 and 2014, totaling 4 caps) and two UEFA European Championships (2012 and 2016, totaling 5 caps), often providing versatility from midfield or full-back positions.[105] Consistent high-minute performances at club level, such as with Liverpool, influenced his repeated inclusions in these squads.[106] The following table summarizes Milner's senior international appearances by competition, with goals noted (assists were inconsistently tracked across periods, particularly pre-2010, and are omitted where unavailable).[105][70]| Competition | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Friendlies (2009–2016) | 29 | 0 |
| UEFA Euro Qualifiers | 12 | 0 |
| FIFA World Cup Qualifiers | 11 | 1 |
| UEFA European Championship Finals | 5 | 0 |
| FIFA World Cup Finals | 4 | 0 |
| Total | 61 | 1 |
Honours
Club honours
James Milner's club career includes ten major team trophies, primarily achieved with Manchester City and Liverpool. He won no major honours during his stints at Leeds United (2002–2004), Newcastle United (2004–2009), Aston Villa (2009–2010), or Brighton & Hove Albion (2023–present).[6]Manchester City (2010–2015)
- FA Cup: 2010–11. Milner played the full 90 minutes in the 1–0 final win against Stoke City at Wembley Stadium.[6]
- Premier League: 2011–12. Milner contributed with 26 league appearances that season, including a substitute appearance in the title-deciding 3–2 victory over Queens Park Rangers on the final day.[6]
- FA Cup: 2011–12. He substituted in the 66th minute of the 0–0 final draw with Chelsea and scored Liverpool's first penalty in the subsequent shoot-out victory.[6]
- FA Community Shield: 2012. Milner started in the 3–2 win over Chelsea at Villa Park.
- Premier League: 2013–14. Milner made 26 league appearances during the title-winning campaign.[6]
- EFL Cup: 2013–14. He played a key role in the campaign, assisting the second goal in the 3–1 final win against Sunderland at Wembley Stadium.[6][107]
Liverpool (2015–2023)
- UEFA Champions League: 2018–19. Milner featured in 10 matches en route to the triumph, including the semi-final legs against Barcelona, though he was an unused substitute in the 2–0 final victory over Tottenham Hotspur.[6]
- UEFA Super Cup: 2019. Milner substituted in the 64th minute during the 2–2 draw with Chelsea, with Liverpool winning 5–4 on penalties at Beşiktaş Park.[6][108]
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2019. Milner started and played 90 minutes in the 1–0 final win over Flamengo in Doha.[6]
- Premier League: 2019–20. As vice-captain, he made 22 league appearances during Liverpool's dominant 99-point season, ending the club's 30-year wait for the title.[6][4]
- EFL Cup: 2021–22. Milner came on as a substitute in the 0–0 final draw with Chelsea before scoring Liverpool's first penalty in the 11–10 shoot-out win.[6]
- FA Cup: 2021–22. He entered as a 74th-minute substitute in the 0–0 final against Chelsea, helping secure the 6–5 penalty shoot-out victory for Liverpool's eighth FA Cup.[6][109]
- FA Community Shield: 2022. Milner substituted in the 74th minute during the 3–1 win over Manchester City at the King Power Stadium, marking Liverpool's 17th Shield.[6][110]