James Milner’s post‑retirement update reveals marathon training
In the quiet of his Liverpool garden, James Milner offers an Update on his Life After Retiring, the news Emerges as he swaps the pitch for a marathon training routine. He reflects on his 20‑year career while preparing for a 32km run, signalling a new chapter beyond football.
Milner hung up his boots at the end of the 2025/26 season, calling time on a career that began with a Premier League debut for Leeds United at 16 years and 309 days. He later represented Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion, earning 61 caps for the Three Lions and scoring once. His trophy cabinet holds 13 honours, including three league titles and a Champions League triumph, but limited game‑time at Brighton prompted his decision to retire at 40, with his final appearance coming against Manchester United.
Since hanging up his boots, Milner has embraced a range of pursuits. In August he posted a video of himself golfing in the United States and an image caddying for Megan Dennis, while later sharing photos taken in Japan, Indonesia and Singapore. Last week he uploaded a 32km run completed in 2 hours 26 minutes, averaging a 4.32‑minute kilometre pace, underscoring his commitment to staying fit.
Coaching steps at Liverpool
Milner is now back at Liverpool, working towards his UEFA Pro Licence. He has been invited by academy director Alex Inglethorpe to assist with the club’s younger age groups, having coached the under‑11s last weekend and remaining available across several squads. He will Try to earn his licence while gaining practical experience.
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Speaking to Goal in March, Milner said, “I’ve done my B and A, UEFA B and A licence. I enjoy the stuff, helping the younger boys on the training field.” He added that the managerial job is “very difficult” but that he would love to give it a go.
James Stroud’s editorial journey
Action Images via Reuters/Craig Brough By  James Stroud PM GMT+1 James Stroud is a Senior Editor for GIVEMESPORT with over eight years of experience. After graduating from the University of Southampton in 2016 with a degree in history, he joined the company as an Academy member in July 2017 and, after a short stint as a freelancer, secured a full‑time role in February 2018. He now covers the biggest football stories and also reports on darts, golf, Formula 1, tennis, boxing and Athletic events, having covered numerous Champions League and World Cup finals as well as the 2020 and 2024 Olympics.
What Milner does next will shape how former players Give back to the game. His seamless shift from elite athlete to coach highlights the growing trend of ex‑professionals staying involved in football development.