Raheem Sterling’s Career Takes Another Dramatic Turn as He Faces Serious Charges

Photo: The Sun

Raheem Sterling’s career has taken another dramatic turn after the former England international was charged following a motorway crash earlier this year.

Sterling has been charged with dangerous driving, possession of nitrous oxide for wrongful inhalation and failing to provide a specimen, according to Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary.

The charges relate to a single-vehicle collision involving a Lamborghini on the in Hampshire on the 28th of May 2026. Sterling is due to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on September 15th..

The situation represents another difficult chapter for a player whose career has changed dramatically in recent years.

At his peak, Sterling was one of the most important attacking players in English football. After establishing himself at Liverpool, he became a superstar at Manchester City, winning multiple Premier League titles and becoming one of Pep Guardiola’s most trusted attacking players. He was also a major figure for England, playing a crucial role during Gareth Southgate’s most successful period as national team manager.

However, Sterling’s career has struggled to regain momentum since leaving Manchester City.

His move to Chelsea in 2022 was supposed to begin a new chapter, but things never truly worked out. After falling out of favour and spending time away from Chelsea’s first-team plans, Sterling eventually left the club by mutual agreement in January 2026, despite having significant time remaining on his contract.

He subsequently had a short spells with Arsenal and Feyenoord, but is currently without a club.

The charges are separate from Sterling's football career, and the legal process will now take its course.

It is important to stress that being charged is*not the same as being convicted, and Sterling will have the opportunity to respond to the allegations through the courts. But the timing is undoubtedly another setback for a player currently attempting to find his next destination in football.

At just 31 years old, Sterling is not necessarily at an age where his playing career should be finished. However, there are now major questions surrounding where he goes next and whether he can rediscover the form that once made him one of the Premier League’s best wingers.

There is also a wider discussion to be had about the use of nitrous oxide (known as nangs in Australia) by not just footballers, but in English society in particular.