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James Milner Equals Ryan Giggs' Premier League Record Of Playing In 23 Different Years

Originally posted on FanNation Futbol
By Robert Summerscales | Last updated 1/3/24

James Milner has become only the second player in Premier League history to feature in at least one match in 23 different calendar years.

Milner made his first appearance of 2024 by playing the full 90 minutes for Brighton in a 0-0 draw at West Ham on Tuesday.

The 37-year-old produced an impressive performance in midfield, creating four chances and completing two tackles.

Ryan Giggs is the only other player to have played in a Premier League match in 23 different years.

Giggs, 50, featured in the EPL for Manchester United in 23 consecutive years between 1992 and 2014.

Overall, Giggs made 632 Premier League appearances.

After Tuesday's game, Milner has now also made 632 EPL appearances.

While Giggs only played for United in England's top division, Milner's 632 games have been split between Leeds, Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton.

632 - James Milner is making his 632nd Premier League appearance, going level with Ryan Giggs - only Gareth Barry (653) has played more times in the competition. Longevity. pic.twitter.com/5WGdFDR5Wq
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 2, 2024

The only player to have played in more Premier League matches than Giggs and Milner is record-holder Gareth Barry.

Barry, 42, played in 653 Premier League games for Villa, Man City, Everton and West Brom.

Giggs and Barry have both retired, so Milner is in a good position to eventually set a new record for Premier League appearances.

However, he is unable to break the record this season. Brighton have just 18 games remaining in their 2023/24 campaign and Milner needs to make another 22 appearances to break Barry's record.

Players With Most Premier League Appearances

1. Gareth Barry: 653
=2. James Milner: 632
=2. Ryan Giggs: 632
4. Frank Lampard: 609
5. David James: 572
6. Gary Speed: 535
7. Emile Heskey: 516
8. Mark Schwarzer: 514
9. Jamie Carragher: 508
10. Phil Neville: 505