Former Manchester City winger and current Chelsea star Raheem Sterling reportedly confronted a gang of masked burglars who broke into his Berkshire home on Saturday night while his family was inside.
The 30-year-old footballer was preparing to watch Chelsea’s match against Wolves, which kicked off at 8 p.m., when he heard intruders upstairs. Reports indicate that about five masked men broke into the property between 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
According to The Mirror, Sterling acted on instinct to protect his family. “He grabbed a knife out of a block in the kitchen and went to confront the intruders,” a source said. “It was acting on pure adrenaline but it worked. There was a group of them upstairs in masks looking for valuables. But they fled when they realised Raheem was home.”
Police believe the burglars assumed Sterling would be at Stamford Bridge for the fixture. However, he was not included in Chelsea’s matchday squad and is currently part of the club’s so-called “bomb-squad,” a term for sidelined players.
This latest incident marks the third time in seven years that Sterling has been targeted by burglars, following similar break-ins at his Surrey and Cheshire residences.
A spokesperson for Sterling confirmed the ordeal, saying:
“We can confirm that Raheem Sterling was the victim of a home break-in this weekend. He and his children were at home at the time. Whilst it is an ultimate violation of privacy and safety, we are thankful to confirm that he and his loved ones are safe. We ask that their privacy be respected at this challenging time.”
Thames Valley Police have launched a full investigation and urged anyone with relevant information to come forward. Chelsea FC also confirmed that the club is providing support to Sterling and his family.
Sterling, who joined Chelsea in 2022 after a successful seven-year stint with Manchester City, also endured a similar traumatic incident in December 2022, during the World Cup in Qatar. His Cobham home was broken into, with jewellery and watches worth about £300,000 stolen. That burglary was later linked to Emiliano Krosi, convicted in 2023 of 33 counts of conspiracy to commit burglary, involving stolen items valued at more than £1.1 million.
At the time, Sterling was described as “shaken” and “deeply concerned for the wellbeing of his children.”
What You Should Know
Raheem Sterling’s confrontation with burglars adds to a growing list of footballers targeted by organized crime gangs exploiting match schedules to strike unguarded homes.
Despite heightened security measures, Sterling’s repeated victimization highlights the persistent risks faced by high-profile athletes in the UK.
Authorities are now intensifying efforts to trace the gang responsible for the latest break-in.
