Raheem Sterling turns 31 today, and what a ride it’s been. Born in Brent, Sterling’s journey started with local youth team Alpha & Omega before he joined Queens Park Rangers at just 10 years old.
He was scouted by the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Fulham, Liverpool, and Manchester City; he made a smart move to escape London’s hostile gang culture by signing for Liverpool.
Liverpool snapped him up in 2010, and Sterling quickly made waves. From scoring five goals in a youth game to debuting for the senior team at 17, he showed he was something special.
His first Premier League goal came in 2012 against Reading, making him the second-youngest Liverpool scorer behind Michael Owen. Over the next few seasons, Sterling racked up goals, assists, and awards, including Liverpool’s Young Player of the Year and multiple PFA Young Player of the Year nominations.
In 2015, Manchester City came calling, breaking records with a £44 million transfer. Sterling didn’t disappoint. He scored hat-tricks and Champions League goals and was central to City’s historic 2018–19 domestic treble, earning PFA Young Player of the Year and FWA Footballer of the Year.
Softfootball understands that following Manchester City’s recent 3-0 Premier League victory against Sunderland, the club still took time to wish Sterling a happy birthday via their official X account.
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On the international stage, he collected 82 caps and 20 goals for England, playing key roles in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and the Euro 2020 final.
Off the pitch, Sterling has never stopped giving back. Awarded an MBE in 2023 for services to racial equality in sport, he’s used his voice to fight racism and support his community through the Raheem Sterling Foundation and campaigns like #TheBoyFromBrent.
Programmes like Brent Goes Global have transformed young lives, showing his heart is as big as his talent.
The 2024–25 season has been tricky. A loan to Arsenal didn’t go as hoped, and now back at Chelsea, who recently played a goalless draw with Bournemouth, his future is uncertain; he has not played a football game this season for Chelsea. But Sterling’s legacy is untouchable.
He’s a player who has thrilled on the pitch, broken records, and stood for justice off it.
As he celebrates his 31st birthday, fans aren’t just applauding the goals and trophies; they’re honouring a trailblazer, a role model, and a man who never forgets where he came from. Happy birthday, Raheem Sterling.
