Top Players with the Most Career Appearances

James Milner has set a new Premier League record for the most appearances in the league’s history this weekend.

The 40-year-old played for Brighton against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday, making his 654th appearance and surpassing Gareth Barry’s former record of 653, set in 2018.

This marks the third time Milner has made Premier League history this season. He holds the record for the longest playing career in the league, having been active for 24 years.

Milner is one of only five outfield players to appear in the Premier League at age 40 or older, joining the ranks of Teddy Sheringham, Ryan Giggs, Gordon Strachan, and Kevin Phillips.

Additionally, he is the league’s second-oldest goal scorer, a fitting achievement as he was also the second-youngest, scoring for Leeds United just days before his 17th birthday.

Most appearances in Premier League history:

10. Phil Neville – 505

Clubs: Manchester United (263), Everton (242).

9. Jamie Carragher – 508

Clubs: Liverpool (508).

8. Mark Schwarzer – 514

Clubs: Middlesbrough (332), Fulham (172), Leicester City (6), Chelsea (4).

7. Emile Heskey – 516

Clubs: Liverpool (150), Leicester City (124), Aston Villa (92), Wigan Athletic (82), Birmingham City (68).

6. Gary Speed – 535

Clubs: Newcastle United (213), Leeds United (143), Bolton Wanderers (121), Everton (58).

5. Steven Gerrard – 710

Clubs: Liverpool (710).

4. Frank Lampard – 609

Clubs: Chelsea (429), West Ham United (148), Manchester City (32).

3. Ryan Giggs – 632

Clubs: Manchester United (632).

2. Gareth Barry – 653

Clubs: Aston Villa (365), Manchester City (132), Everton (131), West Bromwich Albion (25).

1. James Milner – 654

Clubs: Liverpool (230), Manchester City (147), Aston Villa (100), Newcastle United (94), Leeds United (48), Brighton & Hove Albion (34).

Power Rankings – Arsenal slip, Barça slide, Real rise

See Also – Every player to score four goals in a Champions League game