James Milner facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
James Milner
MBE

Milner playing for Liverpool in 2022
Personal information
Date of birth	(1986-01-04) 4 January 1986 (age 39)
Place of birth	Leeds, England
Height	5 feet 9 inches (1.75 m)
Playing position	Midfielder
Club information
Current club	Brighton & Hove Albion
Number	6
Youth career
1996–2002	Leeds United
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2002–2004	Leeds United	48	(5)
2003	→ Swindon Town (loan)	6	(2)
2004–2008	Newcastle United	94	(6)
2005–2006	→ Aston Villa (loan)	27	(1)
2008–2010	Aston Villa	73	(11)
2010–2015	Manchester City	147	(13)
2015–2023	Liverpool	230	(19)
2023–	Brighton & Hove Albion	18	(0)
National team
2001–2002	England U16	6	(1)
2002–2003	England U17	11	(5)
2004	England U19	1	(1)
2003–2005	England U20	6	(0)
2004–2009	England U21	46	(8)
2009–2016	England	61	(1)
Honours Men's football Representing  England UEFA European Under-21 Championship Runner-up 2009
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 20:44, 2 September 2024 (UTC). † Appearances (Goals).

James Philip Milner (born 4 January 1986) is an English professional footballer. He plays as a midfielder for Brighton & Hove Albion. Milner is known for being a very flexible player. He can play in many different positions on the field. These include the wing, in the middle of the field, and at full back.

Milner showed great talent in football, cricket, and running from a young age. He played these sports for his school. He also played football for local amateur teams. Milner grew up supporting Leeds United. He joined their youth academy in 1996. He made his first team debut in 2002 when he was just 16. He became famous as the youngest player to score in the Premier League. He also spent time on loan at Swindon Town to get more experience.

After Leeds United was moved down to a lower league in 2004, Milner was sold to Newcastle United. He played over 100 games for Newcastle. He won the UEFA Intertoto Cup with them in 2006. He also spent a year on loan at Aston Villa. He then joined Aston Villa permanently in 2008. In 2010, he won the PFA Young Player of the Year award. After this, he signed with Manchester City. With Manchester City, he won two Premier League titles, one FA Cup, one League Cup, and one FA Community Shield.

Milner moved to Liverpool in 2015 for free. He became the team's vice-captain. At Liverpool, he won the UEFA Champions League in 2019. He also won his third Premier League title, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup. He also won another FA Cup and League Cup.

Milner played a record 46 games for the England national under-21 football team. He played in the 2007 and 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championships. He was a runner-up in 2009. He played 61 games for the main national team. He scored one goal against Moldova. He was chosen for the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cup teams. He also played in the 2012 and 2016 UEFA European Championships.

Early Life and Football Beginnings

James Philip Milner was born on 4 January 1986 in Wortley, Leeds. He played most of his childhood football for Westbrook Lane Primary School. One of his coaches there was Jon Moss, who later became a famous referee.

Milner went to Horsforth School. A coach named Graeme Coulson saw Milner's talent. He convinced him to play for Rawdon in tournaments. Milner was a top student at school. He earned 11 GCSEs and an award for physical education. He also played for the Yorkshire Schools cricket team. He was a cross-country champion for three years. He was also a district champion in the 100-meter race.

Milner supported his hometown club, Leeds United, from a young age. He remembers watching them win the FA Youth Cup in 1993. He and his parents were season ticket holders. Milner later became a ball boy for the club.

When Milner was 10, he joined the Leeds United Academy. A scout saw him playing for Westbrook Juniors. At the academy, Milner played against other young talents like Wayne Rooney. His hero was Alan Smith, a Leeds United striker. Milner learned a lot from playing with Smith. After school, Milner became a trainee at the academy. His father made sure he still went to college once a week.

Milner did very well in the youth team. He played for England's under-15 and under-17 teams. He helped the England under-17 team win a tournament in 2002. He even scored a goal against Brazil.

Club Career Highlights

Starting at Leeds United

Milner first played for Leeds on 10 November 2002. He came on as a substitute against West Ham United. This made him the second-youngest player ever in the Premier League. He was 16 years and 309 days old. On 26 December 2002, he became the youngest player to score in the Premier League. He scored in a 2–1 win against Sunderland. His record was later broken in 2005.

Two days later, Milner scored again against Chelsea. He showed great skill to get past a defender and score. Reporters were impressed by his performance. Chelsea's manager, Claudio Ranieri, said Milner played like a much more experienced player. People started comparing him to young stars like Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney.

Milner signed a five-year contract with Leeds in February 2003. At the start of the next season, he went on a one-month loan to Swindon Town. This was to get more experience playing in the first team. He played six matches for Swindon and scored two goals.

Leeds United then faced financial problems. Many key players were sold. Milner said this made him stronger. It taught him how to handle team difficulties. Leeds was eventually moved down to a lower league. This led to talk about Milner leaving. Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, and Everton were interested. Milner did not want to move far from his family. Leeds had to sell him due to money problems. In July 2004, he joined Newcastle United for £5 million. He signed a five-year contract.

Playing for Newcastle United

Milner playing for Newcastle United in 2004

Milner played his first game for Newcastle during a tour in Asia. He scored his first goal for them in Hong Kong. He learned a lot from watching Newcastle striker Alan Shearer.

Milner's first Premier League game for Newcastle was on 18 August 2004. He played as a winger. A month later, he played in his first European competition. He came on as a substitute in the UEFA Cup. He scored his first goal for the club in a 3–1 win against West Bromwich Albion.

Things changed when manager Bobby Robson was replaced by Graeme Souness. Milner did not start many games under Souness. He felt frustrated. At the start of the 2005–06 season, Milner scored in a UEFA Intertoto Cup game. He also helped set up a goal for Alan Shearer.

Loan to Aston Villa

Milner was loaned to Aston Villa for a season. Villa's manager, David O'Leary, knew Milner from Leeds. He was happy to have him. Milner played his first game for Villa on 12 September 2005. He scored his first goal for them five days later. In a League Cup match, he scored two goals. He helped his team come back from 3–1 down to win 8–3. Milner enjoyed his time at Villa. He wanted to join them permanently.

Newcastle's new manager, Glenn Roeder, wanted Milner to stay. This made a permanent move to Villa unlikely. However, Aston Villa was bought by Randy Lerner. Martin O'Neill became the new manager. A move to Villa seemed set, but Newcastle called Milner back at the last minute.

Returning to Newcastle United

Milner taking a free kick for Newcastle United in 2007

Milner became a regular starter for Newcastle in the 2006–07 season. He helped Newcastle reach the round of 16 in the UEFA Cup. He played in almost all their European games.

On 1 January 2007, Milner scored his first goal of the season. It was a "stunning" shot from far away against Manchester United. He scored two more goals in the next few weeks. Milner showed he could play well in many positions. He signed a new contract with Newcastle until 2011. He signed another four-year contract in May 2007. This was when Sam Allardyce became the new manager. Milner was happy about his future at the club.

In October, he scored Newcastle's 500th home Premier League goal. Allardyce praised Milner. He called him "a hugely experienced Premier League player." In May 2008, there were rumors that Milner would move to Liverpool. Milner started the season for Newcastle. He scored in a League Cup win. But after the game, it was announced that Milner had asked to leave the club.

Joining Aston Villa Permanently

Milner signed for Aston Villa on 29 August 2008. The fee was £12 million. He signed a four-year contract. Milner played his first game for Villa on 31 August 2008. His first goals in his second time at Villa came in an FA Cup game on his 23rd birthday. He scored both goals in a 2–1 win.

Milner's first Premier League goal for Villa came on 17 January 2009. He was named in the England senior team for the first time in February 2009. England manager Fabio Capello was impressed by him. Milner continued to play well. He scored a 25-yard free kick against Everton. He said his time at Villa was the most "settled" period of his career. He had played for many managers despite being only 23.

At the start of the 2009–10 season, Milner moved to central midfield. This was after captain Gareth Barry was sold. Milner's goal against Sunderland in December 2009 was voted Aston Villa's Goal of the Season. On 28 February 2010, he scored the first goal in the 2010 League Cup final with a penalty. Villa lost the final 2–1 to Manchester United. Milner ended the season with 12 goals. He was named Aston Villa's Supporters' Player of the Year. He also won the PFA Young Player of the Year award.

On 19 May 2010, Manchester City offered £20 million for Milner. Villa rejected the offer. On 22 July 2010, Villa manager Martin O'Neill said Milner wanted to leave for City. But he would only be sold at Villa's price. On 14 August, Milner played in Villa's first game of the season. He scored Villa's third goal. He received a standing ovation when he was substituted.

Success at Manchester City

Milner playing for Manchester City in the 2014 FA Community Shield

On 17 August 2010, Aston Villa agreed to sell Milner to Manchester City. The deal was worth about £26 million. Milner made his debut for City on 23 August 2010. He helped set up the first goal in a 3–0 win against Liverpool. Milner scored his first goal for Manchester City in an FA Cup game. Manchester City went on to win the 2011 FA Cup final. Milner was a substitute in the final.

Milner scored his first Premier League goal for Manchester City on 24 September 2011. Two games later, he scored against his old club Aston Villa. The following week, Milner helped Manchester City win the Manchester derby 6–1. This was Manchester United's biggest home league defeat since 1930. In the 2011–12 season, Milner played 26 Premier League games. Manchester City won the league title for the first time in 44 years.

Milner won his first Community Shield in August 2012. City beat Chelsea. On 6 October 2012, Milner scored his first goal of the 2012–13 season from a free kick. City won 3–0 against Sunderland. On 20 October, he received his first Premier League red card. On 13 January 2013, he scored City's first goal in a 2–0 win at Arsenal. This was City's first league win at Arsenal since 1975. On 8 April, he scored in the Manchester derby. City beat Manchester United 2–1.

On 10 December 2013, Milner scored the winning goal against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League. He became the first English player to score for Manchester City in that competition that season. That season, Milner won his first League Cup and his second Premier League title.

Winning Trophies with Liverpool

Milner playing for Liverpool in the 2018 UEFA Champions League final

On 4 June 2015, Milner agreed to join Liverpool for free. On 7 August 2015, he was named the vice-captain. Milner played his first game for Liverpool in a 1–0 win. He captained Liverpool for the first time in his third game. On 26 September 2015, he scored his first goal for Liverpool. It was in a 3–2 win against his old club Aston Villa. He played in the 2016 UEFA Europa League final. Milner ended his first season with Liverpool with seven goals and 15 assists.

On 19 March 2017, Milner scored in Liverpool's 1–1 draw against Manchester City. He set a Premier League record. He had scored in 47 matches without his team losing. In the 2017–18 season, Milner made 9 assists in the Champions League. This was a new record.

In November 2018, Milner scored his 50th Premier League goal. The next month, he became the 13th player to reach 500 Premier League appearances. On 1 June 2019, Milner won his first Champions League title. He came on as a substitute in the final against Tottenham. Liverpool won 2–0.

More Success at Liverpool

Milner playing for Liverpool in 2021

On 14 August 2019, Milner won his first UEFA Super Cup. Liverpool won after a penalty shoot-out against Chelsea. In December 2019, Milner signed a new contract. Later that month, Milner helped Liverpool win the FIFA Club World Cup for the first time. They beat Flamengo 1–0 in the final. On 26 December 2019, Milner scored a penalty in a 4–0 win over Leicester City. This was his last goal for Liverpool. On 25 June 2020, Milner won his third Premier League title. It was his first with Liverpool.

Milner did not start every game in the 2020–21 season. He made 26 appearances in total. He had his first season without scoring a goal. But he was still an important player. Liverpool finished third, qualifying for the next season's Champions League.

On 16 February 2022, Milner played his 800th senior club game. This was in a Champions League win against Inter Milan. On 27 February 2022, Milner scored Liverpool's first penalty in the 2022 EFL Cup final shoot-out. Liverpool won against Chelsea. On 14 May 2022, Milner again scored Liverpool's first penalty in the 2022 FA Cup final shoot-out. Liverpool won against Chelsea again. On 6 June 2022, Milner signed a one-year extension with the club.

On 5 October 2022, Milner played his 300th game for Liverpool. This was in a 2–0 win against Rangers. On 12 November, Milner made his 600th Premier League appearance. On 4 April 2023, he played his 610th Premier League game. This moved him to third place in all-time Premier League appearances. In May 2023, Liverpool announced that Milner would leave the club. His contract ended at the end of the 2022–23 season.

Moving to Brighton & Hove Albion

On 14 June 2023, Brighton & Hove Albion announced that Milner would join them. He signed a one-year contract. He played his first game for Brighton on 12 August. Brighton won 4–1 against Luton Town. On 16 September, he played in a 3–1 win over Manchester United. He became the first player to win at Old Trafford with four different clubs. He also set a record of 11 total wins against Manchester United.

On 22 January 2024, Milner played his 633rd Premier League game. This moved him past Ryan Giggs to second place in all-time appearances. Only Gareth Barry has more games with 653. On 15 May 2024, Milner signed a new one-year deal with Brighton. He played in the first game of the 2024–25 season on 17 August. Brighton won 3–0 against Everton. This made him the first player to play in 23 Premier League seasons. Later that month, he got a hamstring injury. This will keep him out for the rest of the year.

International Career for England

Youth Teams

Milner (right) playing for the England under-21 team

Milner played for England's under-15 and under-17 teams. He was then called up for the under-20 team. He was chosen for the 2003 World Youth Championship. Soon after, he was called up to the England under-21 team. Milner played his first game for the under-21s on 30 March 2004.

Milner scored for the England under-21 team in 2004–05. This was in a qualifying game for the 2007 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. He also scored the winning goal in a 3–2 win over Switzerland. This win helped England get to the playoffs.

In June 2007, Milner played in the 2007 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. He played in all four of England's games. In the semi-final, he got a yellow card. This meant he would miss the final. England lost the semi-final in a penalty shoot-out. Milner scored twice in the shoot-out. A month later, Milner set an England under-21 record. He made his 30th appearance for the team. He scored his third goal for the under-21 team in October. He scored again four months later.

Milner continued to play regularly for the under-21 team. He was one of the few players to play in all the qualifiers for the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. In 2009, he was in the squad for the tournament in Sweden. He helped set up the winning goal against Finland. In England's second game, Milner had a penalty saved. But he scored England's second goal in a 2–0 win. England played Sweden in the semi-finals. The game ended in a 3–3 draw. It went to a penalty shoot-out. Milner was the only England player to miss. He slipped when he kicked the ball. England won the shoot-out 5–4. They reached the final for the first time in 25 years. England lost the final to Germany 4–0. Milner said the team was "hurting." The final was his last game for the under-21 team. His 46 appearances for the under-21 team are a national record.

Senior Team

Milner playing for England at UEFA Euro 2012

In August 2009, Milner played his first game for the England senior team. He came on as a substitute in a friendly match against the Netherlands. The game ended in a 2–2 draw. He played again the next month. He made his first competitive appearance in a 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Croatia. England won 5–1 and qualified for the World Cup.

Milner was chosen for the World Cup in South Africa. He started England's first game against the United States. He was substituted after 30 minutes. In England's third game, he set up the only goal. He captained England for the first time for the last 10 minutes of a game against France in November 2010.

Milner played in six games during qualifying for UEFA Euro 2012. He was named in Roy Hodgson's squad for the tournament. Milner started all of England's group games. England finished first in their group. He started in the quarter-finals. England lost to Italy in a penalty shoot-out.

On 7 September 2012, Milner scored his first and only international goal. It was in a 5–0 win against Moldova. This was during 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying. Milner was in Hodgson's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. But he did not start regularly. He came on as a substitute in the last group game. England was already out of the tournament. Milner was also part of the England squad for Euro 2016. But he played very little.

On 5 August 2016, Milner announced he was retiring from international football. This was after talking with the new England manager, Sam Allardyce. The England manager Gareth Southgate asked Milner to return for the 2018 World Cup. But Milner chose not to.

How James Milner Plays Football

Milner is famous for being very flexible. Throughout his career, he has played in many positions. These include winger, central midfielder, defensive midfielder, attacking midfielder, and full back. His favorite position is central midfielder. When he was at Leeds and Newcastle, he mostly played as a winger. He is good on both the left and right wings. He moved to central midfield at Aston Villa.

Under manager Jürgen Klopp at Liverpool, Milner played as a left back for a whole season. Milner said he did not enjoy playing left back. But he said it was "whatever's best for the team." He also played in a holding role and a box-to-box role for Liverpool. People praised his energy, hard work, and consistent performances.

Milner is known as a tough and determined footballer. Manuel Pellegrini, his manager at Manchester City, called him the most complete English player. He praised Milner's all-round ability, commitment, and flexibility. Milner is often seen as one of the most underrated players of his time. The Telegraph called him "hard working, reliable and intelligent."

Milner can pass the ball accurately. He can also shoot from far away. He often takes set pieces, like corners and free kicks. Milner does not score many goals. But he is very good at providing assists. As of August 2024, he is 9th on the all-time Premier League assist chart.

Newcastle United's website described Milner as "a good reader of the game." This means he understands the game well. This helps him pass the ball to teammates who are running forward. It also gives him confidence to challenge defenders.

James Milner's Personal Life

Milner is married to Amy Fletcher. They have two children, a daughter and a son. Milner learned to speak Spanish. He speaks to his children only in Spanish so they can learn the language too.

Milner started the James Milner Foundation. This foundation holds an annual ball to raise money for different charities. He does not drink alcohol.

Milner was given the title Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2022. This was for his services to football and charity.

Career Statistics

Club

International

England score listed first, score column indicates score after Milner goal

List of international goals scored by James Milner

No.	Date	Venue	Cap	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition	Ref.
1	7 September 2012	Zimbru Stadium, Chișinău, Moldova	32	Moldova	4–0	5–0	2014 FIFA World Cup qualification

Honours and Awards

Newcastle United

• UEFA Intertoto Cup: 2006

Aston Villa

• Football League Cup runner-up: 2009–10

Manchester City

• Premier League: 2011–12, 2013–14
• FA Cup: 2010–11; runner-up: 2012–13
• Football League Cup: 2013–14
• FA Community Shield: 2012

Liverpool

• Premier League: 2019–20
• FA Cup: 2021–22
• Football League Cup/EFL Cup: 2021–22; runner-up: 2015–16
• FA Community Shield: 2022
• UEFA Champions League: 2018–19; runner-up: 2017–18, 2021–22
• UEFA Super Cup: 2019
• FIFA Club World Cup: 2019
• UEFA Europa League runner-up: 2015–16

England U21

• UEFA European Under-21 Championship runner-up: 2009

Individual

• PFA Young Player of the Year: 2009–10
• PFA Team of the Year: 2009–10 Premier League
• Aston Villa Supporters' Player of the Year: 2009–10

See also

In Spanish: James Milner para niños

• List of men's footballers with 1,000 or more official appearances