Raheem Sterling, once one of the most potent forwards in the Premier League, is now without a club. The 31-year-old former Liverpool and England winger admitted in September to dangerous driving and possessing nitrous oxide following a crash involving his Lamborghini in May. He has been disqualified from driving ahead of his next court appearance on November 25. A custodial sentence is possible, but his punishment has not yet been determined.
Early promise at Liverpool
Sterling's route to the top began in QPR's youth system. Born in Jamaica and raised in London, he joined Liverpool's academy in 2010, moving away from home while still a teenager. In February 2011, he scored five goals in Liverpool's 9-0 FA Youth Cup victory over Southend, offering an early glimpse of his attacking threat.
Kenny Dalglish handed Sterling his first-team debut against Wigan Athletic in March 2012, when he was just 17. Under Brendan Rodgers, he established himself as a regular. In the 2013/14 season, he was an important part of the Liverpool side that came close to winning the Premier League, scoring nine goals and notching five assists as Rodgers' men finished two points off City.
Manchester City glory
Sterling's departure from Anfield in 2015 was acrimonious, and he moved to City. Under Pep Guardiola, he became increasingly effective at finding space behind defenders and arriving in the penalty area to finish sweeping attacks. He won four Premier League titles, five League Cups and an FA Cup with City. In 2018/19, he was a central figure in the side that completed the domestic treble, scoring twice in the 6-0 FA Cup final victory over Watford and being named the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year.
At the height of his City career, former Barcelona midfielder Xavi believed he could succeed Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the world's outstanding player. Xavi said: "I look at the moment - and Sterling is winning that race. He's always been a good player, a dangerous player, but under Pep he has become one of the best in the world."
Decline and current status
Sterling left for Chelsea in 2022, seeking a more central role after finding himself benched more often. He finished his City career with 131 goals in 339 appearances. At Chelsea, he struggled to reproduce his City form and eventually found himself outside Enzo Maresca's plans. In August 2024, Maresca said: "I'm not saying Raheem is not a good player but I prefer a different kind of winger." A poor season-long loan spell at Arsenal followed, and he later failed to impress during a brief stint at Feyenoord earlier this year. He is now without a club.
Away from playing, Sterling established RS7 Academy after searching for a suitable training facility for his young son. The academy offers an alternative to the tactics-focused programmes found at prominent academies. His own playing future remains unresolved, with his next court appearance approaching.
