Milner matches Matthews, Shilton and Giggs with 24 top-flight campaigns | OneFootball

James Milner has etched his name even deeper into English football history by becoming the first player ever to feature in 24 different Premier League seasons.

The 39-year-old midfielder made his debut for Leeds United back in 2002, and more than two decades later he’s still going strong, coming off the bench in Brighton’s 1-1 draw with Fulham on the opening weekend of the new season. That appearance took his tally to 639 Premier League matches.

Milner already overtook Ryan Giggs last season for most Premier League campaigns (Giggs managed 22), but his latest outing now also means he matches Giggs for seasons in England’s top flight overall - 24 apiece - with Giggs’ tally including two years in the old First Division.

In doing so, Milner also joins greats like Peter Shilton and Sir Stanley Matthews at the summit. One more season beyond this would give him the outright record.

The Brighton man is closing in on another landmark too: Gareth Barry’s record of 653 Premier League appearances. The English midfielder is now just 15 games away from becoming the competition’s all-time appearance holder.

His longevity puts him in rare company even in European terms. Since the Premier League began in 1992, only Francesco Totti (25 seasons with Roma) has lasted longer across Europe’s top five leagues, while Milner’s 24 draws him level with Gianluigi Buffon.

Saturday’s cameo at Craven Cottage also marked Milner’s 17th opening-day outing, with only Frank Lampard featuring in more (18). Brighton couldn’t quite hold on for all three points, but Milner’s milestone made the headlines regardless.