- Player: Jake Cooper.
- Club: Millwall.
- New Contract: Extended until 2027.
- Role: Lions skipper, longest-serving squad member.
- Career: Joined January 2017; 400 appearances milestone.
- Milestone: Sixth player in club history to reach 400.
- Record: Two matches behind Alan McLeary’s fifth place.
Since joining the platoon in January 2017, the Lions captain and longest- serving player has been a stalwart. In early November, he became the sixth player in Millwall’s history to surpass 400 appearances. Alan McLeary, who’s ranked fifth on Millwall’s all- time appearances list, is presently only two games behind him.
Cooper’s strict fitness authority has allowed him to share in the league for at least 35 games in each of his nine times with the team.
Unexpectedly, he played every nanosecond of 136 straight Championship games between August 2018 and December 2020. He also played down against Birmingham City despite having a repositioned shoulder.
As Millwall contends for the top six, the 30- year-old center back remains a vital member of the starting lineup, starting every league game when available and missing just one due to suspense.
Millwall director of football Steve Gallen told the club’s website:
“Everyone at the club is really pleased that Jake has decided to extend his contract.”
It was a pretty easy deal to do, to be honest. We wanted him to stay and Jake wanted to stay – so when both parties are thinking the same thing, it makes it a lot easier. Jake is our club captain and a fantastic presence on and off the pitch. Everyone really respects him – staff, players, fans and so on.
He recently reached 400 games for the club, which is very rare in modern football. His longevity is brilliant and it looks as though he is getting better with age. It’s a good day for the club.”
What are Jake Cooper career highlights for Millwall?
Jake Cooper has been a foundation for Millwall since joining on loan in January 2017 and subscribing permanently that summer. His term includes creation via the 2017 League One play- offs and reaching 400 appearances by November 2025, ranking him sixth each- time, two behind Alan McLeary.
Promotion to the Championship via play- offs in 2017 marks his primary platoon honor. As captain, he boasts upstanding prowess and leadership, with 28 league appearances from defense over nine seasons. Recent 2025- 26 form includes 2 pretensions in 13 league thresholds.
Millwall director of football Steve Gallen praised the straightforward renewal, noting Cooper’s respect across the club and his perfecting form with age. This deal secures the Scotland transnational’s leadership amid drives for a top- six finish.
