History of Raheem Sterling in Timeline
Raheem Sterling is a professional soccer player from England. He is known for his speed and dribbling skills. He plays as a winger for Chelsea, a Premier League team, and the England national team.
December 1994: Early Life and Family Background
Raheem Sterling was born in Jamaica in December 1994. He moved to London with his mother at the age of five after his father's death.
December 1994: Birth of Raheem Sterling
Raheem Shaquille Sterling was born in Kingston, Jamaica in December 1994.
September 2009: FIFA Updates Eligibility Rules
In September 2009, FIFA agreed to change the eligibility rules for players representing national teams, allowing players like Sterling, who was educated in a nation for five years or more, to become eligible.
November 2009: Representing England at Under-16 Level
Sterling began his international career by playing for England at the under-16 level, participating in a match against Northern Ireland in November 2009.
February 2010: Signing with Liverpool's Academy
Raheem Sterling joined Liverpool's academy from Queens Park Rangers in February 2010 for a fee that could rise to £2 million.
2010: Liverpool FC Start
Raheem Sterling's professional football journey began with Liverpool FC in 2010.
February 2011: Five Goals in a Single Match
In February 2011, Raheem Sterling scored an impressive five goals in a single match against Southend United.
2011: Participating in the U-17 World Cup
Sterling was chosen to play for England in the 2011 U-17 World Cup, showcasing his skills and potential on the international stage. He scored crucial goals, including a long-range goal in a victory against Rwanda and a goal against Argentina.
March 2012: Liverpool Senior Debut
At the age of 17, Raheem Sterling made his senior debut for Liverpool in a match against Wigan Athletic in March 2012.
August 2012: European Debut and First Senior Goal
Raheem Sterling made his European debut for Liverpool in August 2012 and scored his first senior goal for the team in a friendly match against Bayer Leverkusen.
September 2012: First Call-Up to the Senior England Squad
Sterling's talent and potential were acknowledged when he received his first call-up to the senior England squad in September 2012, marking a significant milestone in his career.
October 2012: Joining the England Under-21 Squad
Sterling's progress in international football continued as he was selected for the England under-21 squad in October 2012 and made his debut in a match against Serbia.
November 2012: Sterling Signs Sponsorship Deal with Nike
In 2012, Sterling secured a sponsorship deal with Nike, a renowned American sportswear and equipment supplier. He featured in an advertisement alongside prominent footballers for their new Nike Green Speed II in November 2012.
November 2012: England National Team Debut
Raheem Sterling made his debut for the England senior national team in November 2012.
November 2012: Senior Debut for England
Sterling's international career reached new heights in November 2012 when he made his senior debut for England during a friendly match against Sweden.
December 2012: Contract Extension with Liverpool
Raheem Sterling secured a contract extension with Liverpool in December 2012, solidifying his commitment to the club.
2012: Birth of Sterling's Daughter and Origin of Middle Name
Sterling became a father in 2012 with the birth of his daughter, Melody Rose. The name Shaquille, Sterling's middle name, was given to him by his grandmother who resided in America and drew inspiration from basketball player Shaquille O'Neal.
January 2013: Sterling Models Nike Mercurial Vapor IX
Expanding his partnership with Nike, Sterling modeled their latest footwear, the Nike Mercurial Vapor IX, in January 2013.
January 2013: First League Goal of the Season
Raheem Sterling kicked off the new year by scoring his first league goal of the season in a match against Sunderland in January 2013.
May 2013: Assault Charge Dropped
Sterling faced a common assault charge in May 2013, but the case was dismissed due to the non-attendance of a key witness in court.
August 2013: Arrest and Acquittal for Alleged Assault
In August 2013, Sterling was arrested for allegedly assaulting his former girlfriend, a model. However, he was found not guilty at the Liverpool Magistrates Court in September 2013 due to inconsistent evidence from the complainant.
August 2013: First Goal of the 2013-14 Season
Raheem Sterling marked his first goal of the 2013-14 season with a goal against Notts County in the League Cup.
August 2013: First Goal for England U21
In August 2013, Sterling celebrated a significant achievement by scoring his first goal for the England U21 team during a resounding 6-0 victory against Scotland.
2013: Sterling's Religious Beliefs
In 2013, Sterling revealed his belief in God, attributing his faith to his mother's influence. He expressed a strong belief, praying regularly, and intending to fully embrace Christianity in the future.
February 2014: Two Goals Against Arsenal
Raheem Sterling delivered a strong performance in February 2014, scoring twice in a decisive win against Arsenal.
March 2014: Man of the Match Performance
In March 2014, Sterling earned recognition for his outstanding performance, being named the man of the match after England's 1-0 victory against Denmark.
April 2014: PFA Young Player of the Year Shortlist
In April 2014, Raheem Sterling's talent was recognized with a nomination for the PFA Young Player of the Year award. He also received the honor of Liverpool's Young Player of the Year.
May 2014: Selected for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Squad
In a significant achievement, Sterling was selected to represent England in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, a testament to his growing reputation as a talented footballer.
August 2014: Strong Start to the 2014-15 Season
Raheem Sterling started the 2014-15 season strong, scoring in the opening match and earning the title of Liverpool Player of the Month for August.
November 2014: Xavi Praises Sterling's Potential
In November 2014, former Barcelona midfielder Xavi expressed that Sterling possessed the skills and qualities necessary to play for the prestigious La Liga club. Xavi commended Sterling for his physical and technical prowess.
December 2014: Champions League Debut and 100th Appearance for Liverpool
Raheem Sterling made his UEFA Champions League debut in December 2014, marking a significant milestone in his career. He also achieved his 100th appearance for Liverpool.
2014: First World Cup Appearance
Raheem Sterling was part of the England squad for the FIFA World Cup in 2014.
2014: Golden Boy Award Winner
Raheem Sterling was named the recipient of the prestigious Golden Boy award in 2014.
2014: Golden Boy Award
Raheem Sterling was honored with the prestigious Golden Boy award in 2014.
2014: A Glimpse of the World Cup Stage
Although Sterling didn't play in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, being called up to the senior squad for a qualification match offered a taste of the prestigious tournament.
January 2015: Goal in the League Cup and Consistent Performance
Raheem Sterling scored a remarkable solo goal against Chelsea in the League Cup semi-final and continued his strong form with goals in subsequent matches in January 2015.
January 2015: Golden Boy Award and Rest for Sterling
Raheem Sterling was granted time off by Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers to rest and recharge in January 2015.
February 2015: Contract Negotiations and Public Statements
In February 2015, Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers confirmed a lucrative contract offer was made to Sterling, but emphasized that the club wouldn't overpay. Rodgers also indicated that the contract situation wouldn't be resolved until the summer.
March 2015: First Senior Goal for England
Sterling celebrated a memorable moment in his career when he scored his first senior goal for England during a UEFA Euro 2016 qualifier against Lithuania in March 2015.
April 2015: BBC Sport Analyzes Sterling's Performance and Potential
In April 2015, BBC Sport columnist Phil McNulty acknowledged Sterling's talent and potential to excel but noted his inconsistent performance as a point of development. McNulty praised Sterling's natural pace, which challenged even the most formidable defenses.
April 2015: Goals, Accolades, and Fan Reactions
In April 2015, Raheem Sterling scored the opening goal in a 2-0 victory against Newcastle United. He received the team's Young Player of the Season award for the second consecutive year but was met with boos from fans due to his contract negotiations. He was also shortlisted for the PFA Young Player of the Year award.
April 2015: Criticism for Unhealthy Habits
In April 2015, Sterling faced criticism when photographs surfaced of him allegedly smoking a shisha pipe and inhaling nitrous oxide. Manager Brendan Rodgers addressed the issue, advising against such behavior and emphasizing the importance of learning from mistakes.
July 2015: Record-Breaking Transfer to Manchester City
In July 2015, Raheem Sterling made a high-profile move from Liverpool to Manchester City. The transfer fee of £44 million, with potential add-ons, made him the most expensive English player at the time. He signed a five-year contract with Manchester City.
July 2015: Transfer to Manchester City
In July 2015, Raheem Sterling transferred to Manchester City for a record-breaking £49 million.
October 2015: Contributing to Euro 2016 Qualification
Sterling played a vital role in England's successful qualification for the Euro 2016 tournament, scoring crucial goals during the qualifying campaign.
March 2016: Injury and Loss of Starting Position
In March 2016, Raheem Sterling suffered a groin injury during a match against Manchester United. This injury sidelined him for eight weeks and ultimately led to him losing his place in the starting lineup.
August 2016: Strong Start Under Guardiola and Player of the Month Award
Sterling became a regular starter for Manchester City under new manager Pep Guardiola in the 2016-17 season. His performances earned him the Premier League Player of the Month award in August 2016.
2016: UEFA Euro 2016
Raheem Sterling played for England in the UEFA European Championship in 2016.
2016: Representing England in Euro 2016
Sterling's inclusion in the England squad for the Euro 2016 tournament highlighted his status as a key player for the national team.
February 2017: Key Contributions in Champions League Victory
Raheem Sterling played a pivotal role in Manchester City's 5-3 victory over Monaco in the Champions League. He scored the opening goal and provided an assist for Sergio Agüero.
June 2017: Sterling's Generous Donation to Grenfell Tower Fire Victims
Sterling exhibited his philanthropic side by making a substantial donation to support the victims of the tragic Grenfell Tower fire in June 2017, which claimed the lives of 71 people.
August 2017: Late Winner and Red Card Incident
In August 2017, Sterling secured a 2-1 victory against Bournemouth with a stoppage-time goal. However, his celebration with fans who had entered the pitch resulted in a second yellow card and a sending-off.
November 2017: Crucial Late Winner Against Southampton
Sterling scored a dramatic 96th-minute winning goal against Southampton in a 2-1 home victory for Manchester City.
December 2017: Racist Attack and Sterling's Courage
Sterling experienced a racist attack outside Manchester City's training ground in December 2017. The perpetrator, a convicted football hooligan, received a 16-week prison sentence and a fine. Sterling's resilience and decision to play shortly after the incident were widely praised.
2017: First Premier League Title
Raheem Sterling won his first Premier League title with Manchester City in 2017.
April 2018: Career-High Goal Tally in Premier League
Sterling achieved a personal best in the Premier League, scoring his 18th goal of the season during a 5-0 win over Swansea City.
August 2018: Return to Club Football and 50th Premier League Goal
After the World Cup, Sterling rejoined Manchester City's starting lineup. He scored his 50th Premier League goal in a 2-0 win against Arsenal.
October 2018: Breaking the Scoring Drought
After a period without scoring for England, Sterling ended his drought in style in October 2018, netting two goals against Spain in a thrilling UEFA Nations League match, leading England to victory.
November 2018: Brace, Assists, and Contract Extension
Sterling's impressive form continued as he scored twice and provided two assists in a resounding 6-1 victory against Southampton. This game also marked his 50th goal for Manchester City across all competitions. His performance led to a three-year contract extension, keeping him at the club until 2023.
December 2018: Speaking Out Against Racism in Football
Following an alleged racist incident during a match against Chelsea, Sterling publicly criticized sections of the media for their portrayal of young black players, which he believed contributed to racism in football.
2018: Second World Cup Appearance
Raheem Sterling represented England in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
2018: Selected for the 2018 FIFA World Cup
Sterling's consistent performances and contributions to the England team earned him a spot in the squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, held in Russia.
2018: Back-to-Back Premier League Titles & PFA Recognition
In 2018, Raheem Sterling achieved a consecutive Premier League victory with Manchester City and earned a spot on the PFA Premier League Team of the Year.
March 2019: First Hat-trick for England
Sterling achieved a remarkable feat in March 2019 when he scored his first hat-trick for England in a convincing victory against the Czech Republic during a UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier.
October 2019: Breaking Manchester City's England Scoring Record
In October 2019, Sterling etched his name in Manchester City's history books by surpassing the record for most England goals scored by a Manchester City player, previously held by Eric Brook and Francis Lee.
November 2019: Disciplinary Action and Team Dynamics
In a controversial incident, Sterling was dropped from the England team in November 2019 following a clash with teammate Joe Gomez, highlighting the challenges of managing team dynamics and personal conflicts.
September 2020: Start of 2020-21 Season with Manchester City
In September 2020, Raheem Sterling kicked off his season with Manchester City by scoring his first goals in a 3-0 EFL Cup victory against Burnley.
2020: Contributing to Euro 2020 Qualification
Sterling's goals during the qualifying campaign played a vital role in securing England's spot in the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament.
2020: Third Premier League Title
Raheem Sterling won his third Premier League title with Manchester City in 2020.
2020: UEFA Euro 2020
Raheem Sterling represented England in the UEFA European Championship in 2020.
2020: Sterling Becomes Gillette Ambassador
In 2020, Sterling assumed the role of an ambassador for Gillette, appearing in their UK advertisements.
2020: Sterling Named One of the Most Influential Black Britons
In recognition of his achievements and influence, Sterling was included in the Powerlist, a list celebrating the 100 most influential Black Britons, in both 2020 and 2021.
May 2021: Sterling Signs Multi-Year Deal with New Balance
Sterling made a significant move in May 2021 by signing a multi-year endorsement deal with New Balance. As part of the agreement, he would be sporting their Furon v6+ boots.
June 2021: UEFA Euro 2020 Success and Controversy
In June 2021, Raheem Sterling played a key role in England's UEFA Euro 2020 campaign. He scored crucial goals against Croatia and the Czech Republic, securing England's top spot in Group D. In the Round of 16, he scored the opening goal against Germany, contributing to England's 2-0 victory. However, his winning penalty against Denmark in the semi-final sparked controversy due to accusations of diving.
August 2021: Start of the 2021-22 Season
Raheem Sterling started the 2021-22 season strong, scoring his first goal of the season against Norwich City in a home victory. He continued to perform well, scoring in Champions League matches against Club Brugge and Paris-Saint Germain.
November 2021: Sterling Launches Foundation to Empower Youth
In November 2021, Sterling established the Raheem Sterling Foundation at his former school, the Ark Elvin Academy. The foundation focuses on empowering and inspiring young people, equipping them with essential skills for a brighter future and improved social mobility.
December 2021: Premier League Scoring Streak and Player of the Month
In December 2021, Sterling's impressive goal-scoring streak continued as he netted goals in four consecutive Premier League matches, earning him a place in the Premier League 100 Club and the title of Premier League Player of the Month.
2021: Continued Success and Champions League Final Appearance
Throughout 2021, Sterling continued to be a key player for Manchester City, scoring in consecutive league matches and reaching the milestone of 100 goals for the club under Pep Guardiola. He also started in the 2021 UEFA Champions League final, where Manchester City faced a 1-0 loss against Chelsea.
2021: Sterling Awarded MBE for Services to Racial Equality in Sport
Sterling's contributions to promoting racial equality in sports were formally acknowledged in 2021 when he was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Birthday Honours.
2021: Sterling Named One of the Most Influential Black Britons
In recognition of his achievements and influence, Sterling was included in the Powerlist, a list celebrating the 100 most influential Black Britons, in both 2020 and 2021.
2021: Fourth Premier League Title
In 2021, Raheem Sterling secured his fourth Premier League title with Manchester City.
February 2022: Hat-trick and Manchester City's All-Time Top Scorers
Sterling achieved his fifth Premier League hat-trick against Norwich City in February 2022. His consistent performance earned him a spot among Manchester City's all-time top ten goal scorers after scoring in a UEFA Champions League match.
July 2022: Transfer to Chelsea and New Beginnings
In a significant move, Sterling joined Chelsea on a five-year contract in July 2022. He made his debut with the club in a winning game against Everton and continued to make his mark by scoring his first goals for the team against Leicester City.
July 2022: Signing with Chelsea
Raheem Sterling joined Chelsea FC in July 2022 after leaving Manchester City.
November 2022: Goal in World Cup Opener and Return Home Due to Burglary
Sterling scored England's third goal in their 6-2 victory against Iran during the opening match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in November 2022. However, he had to leave the England squad and return to London following a burglary at his home while his family was present.
2022: Third World Cup Appearance
Raheem Sterling was selected to play for England in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
2022: Burglary at Sterling's Home During World Cup
While Sterling was away for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, his home in Oxshott, Surrey was burglarized. His fiancée and children made the discovery upon returning from Qatar. The incident prompted Sterling to fly back home temporarily before rejoining the team.
March 2023: Crucial Goals for Chelsea
Sterling scored a crucial goal for Chelsea in March 2023 during their Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund, securing their advancement to the quarter-finals. He continued to be a key contributor, scoring a brace in a draw against Nottingham Forest.
August 2023: Strong Start to the 2023-24 Season
In August 2023, Sterling started the 2023-24 season on a high note, scoring his first goal and later achieving a brace in a decisive victory against Luton Town.
2023: Contract with City
Raheem Sterling signed a contract extension with Manchester City until 2023.