Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Raheem Sterling

How Raheem Sterling built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Raheem Shaquille Sterling is a professional footballer. He currently plays as a winger for Arsenal in the Premier League, on loan from Chelsea.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

November 2009: Sterling Represents England at U-16 Level

In November 2009, Sterling first represented England at the under-16 level in a match against Northern Ireland, marking an early step in his international career.

February 2010: Signed by Liverpool

In February 2010, Raheem Sterling was signed by Liverpool from the academy at Queens Park Rangers for an initial fee of £450,000.

2010: Signed for Liverpool

In 2010, Raheem Sterling signed for Liverpool after beginning his career at Queens Park Rangers.

March 2012: Senior Liverpool Debut

On 24 March 2012, Raheem Sterling made his senior Liverpool debut as a substitute in a league match against Wigan Athletic, becoming the third-youngest player to play for the club.

August 2012: European Debut for Liverpool

In August 2012, Raheem Sterling made his European debut for Liverpool in a UEFA Europa League qualifying match against Gomel. He also scored his first goal for the senior team in a friendly against Bayer Leverkusen.

September 2012: Sterling Called Up to Senior England Squad

In September 2012, Sterling received his first call-up to the senior England squad for a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Ukraine, where he was an unused substitute.

October 2012: Sterling Called Up to England U-21 Squad

In early October 2012, Sterling received his first call-up to the England under-21 squad, marking a progression in his international career.

November 2012: Nike Green Speed II Advertisement

In November 2012, Raheem Sterling appeared in an advertisement for the Nike Green Speed II alongside other notable players.

November 2012: Debut for England Senior Team

In November 2012, Raheem Sterling made his debut for the England senior team.

November 2012: Sterling Debuts for England

On November 14, 2012, Sterling made his senior debut for England in a friendly match against Sweden, marking a significant milestone in his international career.

December 2012: Contract Extension with Liverpool

On 21 December 2012, Raheem Sterling signed a contract extension, committing his future to Liverpool.

January 2013: Modelling Nike Mercurial Vapor IX

In January 2013, Raheem Sterling modelled the new Nike Mercurial Vapor IX.

August 2013: Sterling Scores First Goal for England U21

On August 13, 2013, Sterling scored his first goal for the England U21 team in a 6–0 victory against Scotland, contributing to a significant win.

May 2014: Sterling Named to England's World Cup Squad

In May 2014, Sterling was named in England's 23-man squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, securing his place in the prestigious tournament.

2014: FIFA World Cup Selection

In 2014, Raheem Sterling was chosen in England's squad for the FIFA World Cup.

March 2015: Sterling Scores First Goal for England

On March 27, 2015, Sterling scored his first senior goal for England in a 4–0 UEFA Euro 2016 qualifier against Lithuania at Wembley Stadium, marking a significant moment in his international career.

July 2015: Signed by Manchester City

In July 2015, Raheem Sterling signed with Manchester City for £49 million, which was the highest transfer fee ever paid for an English player at the time.

October 2015: Sterling Scores Second Qualifying Goal for England

On October 9, 2015, Sterling scored his second goal of the qualifying campaign in a 2–0 victory against Estonia, contributing to England's successful qualification.

2016: UEFA European Championship Selection

In 2016, Raheem Sterling was chosen in England's squad for the UEFA European Championship.

June 2017: Donation to Grenfell Tower Fire Victims

In June 2017, Raheem Sterling made a substantial donation to support those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire, which claimed 71 lives.

2017: Premier League Title

Raheem Sterling helped Manchester City win the Premier League title in the 2017-18 season.

October 2018: Sterling Scores Twice Against Spain

On October 15, 2018, after a 27-game goal drought for England, Sterling scored twice in a UEFA Nations League group game against Spain, contributing to a 3–2 victory.

November 2018: Signed Contract Extension with Manchester City

In November 2018, Raheem Sterling signed a three-year contract extension with Manchester City to keep him at the club until 2023. On 4 November 2018, Sterling scored twice and made two assists in a 6-1 win against Southampton at home.

2018: FIFA World Cup Squad

In 2018, Raheem Sterling was chosen in England's squad for the FIFA World Cup.

March 2019: Sterling Scores Hat-Trick for England

On March 22, 2019, Sterling scored his first hat-trick for England in a 5–0 win over the Czech Republic at Wembley Stadium in a UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier, marking a significant achievement in his international career.

October 2019: Sterling Scores Twice Against Bulgaria, Breaks Record

In October 2019, Sterling scored twice in a 6–0 defeat of Bulgaria, with his goals breaking and then setting a new record for the most England goals scored by a Manchester City player.

2020: UEFA European Championship Selection

In 2020, Raheem Sterling was chosen in England's squad for the UEFA European Championship.

2020: Premier League Title

Raheem Sterling won a Premier League title with Manchester City in the 2020-21 season.

2020: Became Gillette Ambassador

Starting in 2020, Raheem Sterling became an ambassador for Gillette, appearing in UK adverts for the brand.

May 2021: Signed Deal with New Balance

In May 2021, Raheem Sterling announced that he signed a multi-year deal with New Balance and would be wearing the Furon v6+ boots.

June 2021: Sterling Scores Crucial Goals in Euro 2020

In June 2021, Sterling scored the only goal against Croatia and the Czech Republic to help England top Group D in the UEFA Euro 2020 campaign, contributing significantly to the team's success.

November 2021: Launch of the Raheem Sterling Foundation

In November 2021, Raheem Sterling launched his charitable foundation at Ark Elvin Academy to support and empower young people through education and opportunities.

2021: Appointed MBE for Services to Racial Equality

In 2021, Raheem Sterling was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Birthday Honours for his contributions to racial equality in sport.

2021: Premier League Title

Raheem Sterling won a Premier League title with Manchester City in the 2021-22 season.

July 2022: Signed for Chelsea

In July 2022, Raheem Sterling signed for Chelsea after winning two more Premier League titles with Manchester City in 2020-21 and 2021-22.

November 2022: Sterling Scores in World Cup Opener, Returns Home After Break-in

In November 2022, Sterling scored England's third goal in the opening game of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He later temporarily left the squad to return to London after a break-in at his home but rejoined prior to the quarter-final.