The Premier League began with the 1992/93 season, replacing the old Football League First Division, and 13 Premier League legends have managed to notch more than 500 appearances in the competition. The late Gary Speed was the first player to reach 500 Premier League appearances, representing Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle United and Bolton Wanderers, but the Welshman has been overtaken by five players on the all-time list.
Below are the five men who have taken to the pitch in the Premier League more than any other players, in order of total appearances. The perfect afternoon teaser to try and catch a few out in a group chat!
Premier League Legends: Gareth Barry
Former England international Gareth Barry is the record holder, with 653 Premier League appearances to his name. The left-footed, Hastings-born man started his career as a left-back, before becoming a defensive midfielder, operating in the middle of the pitch.
Most of Barry’s Premier League career was spent at Aston Villa, before he represented Manchester City, Everton and West Bromwich Albion, where he retired in 2020.
Premier League Legends: James Milner
The only active player with more than 500 Premier League appearances is James Milner, who is in the Brighton squad, hoping to add to his tally of 637. With Gareth Barry’s record within range, Milner will be desperate to feature for the Seagulls this season.
In May, Milner signed a fresh one-year deal with Brighton, so the 38-year-old has the potential to get closer to Barry’s mark. Milner has played 23 Premier League seasons with Liverpool, Manchester City, Aston Villa, Newcastle and Leeds prior to joining Brighton.
Premier League Legends: Ryan Giggs
Nobody has played more Premier League games for a single club than Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs. The Welsh winger made a total of 632 appearances for the Red Devils, usually tearing down the left flank.
Giggs joined United at the age of 14 in 1987. He made his professional debut in 1991 and spent 23 seasons in the first team. In his latter years, with pace waning, Giggs moved to a more central role. He ended his career having won 13 Premier League winner’s medals.
Premier League Legends: Frank Lampard
Chelsea fans adore Frank Lampard, who made 429 Premier League appearances for the Blues, becoming their record goalscorer despite playing in midfield. He went on to finish his career with West Ham and Manchester City, making 609 Premier League appearances in total.
Nobody in Premier League history has scored more goals from outside the box than Lampard. He scored a total of 211 goals for Chelsea in all competitions. He left Manchester City in 2015, moving to New York City FC in the MLS.
Premier League Legends: David James
No goalkeeper has made more Premier League appearances than David James, who was a trusted custodian for Liverpool, Portsmouth, Manchester City, Aston Villa and West Ham United.
James made 214 Premier League appearances for Liverpool and 572 in total. Despite earning the nickname of Calamity James for some spectacular blunders, his athleticism and shot-saving ability made him highly appealing to managers until he retired in 2013.
By Steve Palmer
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