Raheem Sterling is a professional footballer from Jamaica who plays football in the English Premier League for Manchester City. A young and energetic player, Sterling’s wit and unique style of play has seen him emerge as one of the few young players in the world widely seen by pundits as one of the best. Evident in games he features in for Manchester City, the young English star has been one of the solid bases of the Manchester City, which has seen the team enjoy several successes in recent years. In this Raheem Sterling biography facts, childhood, career and personal life, we review the profile and life (from childhood to present) of the astute playmaker.
Raheem Sterling Biography Facts, Age, Nicknames, Family, Parents
- Full Name: Raheem Shaquille Sterling
- Nicknames: Martin Luther King
- Date of Birth: 8 December 1994
- Age: 27 years old
- Place of Birth: Kingston, Jamaica
- Nationality: Jamaican, English
- Height: 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
- Weight: 69 kg
- Parents:
- Father: Robert Rashford
- Mother: Nadine Sterling
- Siblings:
- Brother: Kingston Sterling
- Sisters: Kimberley Sterling, Lakima Sterling
- Marital Status: Single
- Partner: Paige Milian
- Children:
- Daughter: Melody Rose Sterling
- Son: Thiago Sterling
- Occupation: Footballer
- Playing Position: Forward
- Strong Foot: Right
- Current Club: Manchester City
- Jersey/Kit Number: 7 (Manchester United) 10 (England National team)
- Salary: €15 million per year
- Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Raheem Sterling Childhood Story, Family Background & Early Life
Born on 8 December 1994 to a poor family in Jamaica, Raheem Shaquille Sterling grew up in a crime-filled environment until the age of 5, when he and his mother emigrated to Europe, precisely England. In England, his mother who hoped to find more opportunities had to deal with financial woes, but still managed to raise young Sterling.
Sterling soon became interested in football in England. At school, Copland Community School, he began pursuing his interest in football actively. But as young Sterling progressed in football, he received news about his father’s murder. Struck by grief and anger, young Sterling channelled those overwhelming emotions into his game. He soon joined a local club Alpha & Omega but was eventually picked and began training at Queens Park Rangers academy.
Raheem Sterling Professional Career, Achievements, & Awards
Liverpool (2010–2015)
In 2010, 16 years old Sterling was signed by Liverpool from Queens Park Rangers for about £600,000 a fee which could increase to as much as £5 million depending on the games he played for the club’s first team. Through 2010 to early 2012, Sterling remained a regular player for Liverpool’s youth team. In March 2012, he came in as a substitute for Liverpool in an EPL game against Wigan Athletic. Sterling who aged 17, thus became the third-youngest player to ever play for Liverpool. In a Europa League qualifying game against Gomel, Sterling made his European debut. A week after that, he registered his first goal for Liverpool in a friendly match against Bayern Leverkusen.
Sterling started in a game for Liverpool in the North West Derby against Manchester City which ended in a draw. He then went on to feature regularly in games without being substituted. In October 2012, in an EPL game against Reading, he earned his first competitive goal for Liverpool which made him the second-youngest Liverpool player to score in a competitive game for Liverpool. In December 2012, he agreed to a contract extension with Liverpool.
In his second season with Liverpool, Sterling was phenomenal. He scored against notable opponents such as Tottenham Hotspurs, Arsenal and Manchester City. As a result, he was nominated the PFA Young Player of the Year award in April. That month, he also was named Liverpool’s Player of the Month. At the conclusion of the season, he was awarded Liverpool’s Young Player of the Year award.
He began his last season at Liverpool, the 2014/15 season on a wonderful note, by pushing Liverpool to away victory over Tottenham Hotspurs in August. As a result, he was named Liverpool’s Player of the Month for August. The next month he debuted in the Champions League. In December he recorded his 100th cap for Liverpool. That month, he was announced as the recipient of the Golden boy award. He continued in top form through the season and was named the club’s young player of the season for the second successive season. He was also nominated again for the PFA Young Player of the Season award.
Following his refusal to sign a new contract with Liverpool, he entered a tense contract dispute with the club, which saw him give an interview to BBC which was unsanctioned by the club, where he revealed he turned down a deal from the club. He then refused to join the team on a preseason tour to Asia. Manchester City made bids for £30 and £40 million for the player but Liverpool turned down the deal stating he was valued at £50 million.
Manchester City (2015–present)
In July 2015, Sterling made the move to City for £44 million, with £5 million add-ons. He then sealed a five-year deal and debuted against West Brom. He soon scored his first goal for City in a game against Watford. In October 2015, he registered his first hat-trick for the club. In November he scored his first Champions League goal. He continued in good form but after he suffered a groin injury in March 2016, which kept him on the sidelines for weeks, he no longer had a spot in the starting squad.
Following the arrival of Guardiola to City, Sterling began playing regularly and as the 2016/17 season kicked off, he won the EPL Player of the Month award. In the 2017/18 season, he had one of the best seasons of his career as he scored 18 goals in the season which is the most in his career. In the 2018/19 season, his form improved. In August 2018, he registered his 50th EPL game for City. In November, he went on to sign a three-year contract extension with Manchester City. In December 2018, he was subjected to racism in a game against Chelsea but that did nothing in slowing his amazing form.
