When it comes to longevity in the Premier League, few players can hold a candle to James Milner. The veteran midfielder has featured in every single Premier League season since his debut in 2002/03 with just one exception.

Milner burst onto the scene as a 16-year-old with Leeds United, announcing himself as the league’s youngest-ever goalscorer at the time. Since then, he’s gone on to represent Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool, and now Brighton & Hove Albion, building a career defined by consistency and adaptability.

The only campaign he missed? 2004/05, when Leeds were in the Championship following relegation. Aside from that single year, Milner has been a fixture in the top flight, chalking up appearances in 21 of the last 22 Premier League seasons.

It’s a record that underlines his remarkable professionalism and fitness levels. Qualities that have allowed him to remain relevant across three different decades of Premier League football.

From playing alongside Alan Smith at Leeds, to sharing a dressing room with Steven Gerrard at Liverpool, and now mentoring Brighton’s younger stars, Milner’s career has become a timeline of the league itself.

In an era when careers often burn bright and fade fast, Milner’s story is one of endurance, reliability and quiet excellence.

📊 At PremierLeagueStatistics.com, we dig into the numbers behind the game, and Milner’s near-perfect Premier League streak is one that deserves its place in history.