Raheem Sterling, a star for Chelsea and England, has been the victim of a startling home invasion twice in as many years.
The 29-year-old winger was at home with his children when masked intruders broke into his property at around 7 p.m. on Saturday evening, just an hour before Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge.
Fortunately, Sterling and his family escaped unharmed, and the would-be thieves fled empty-handed after being startled to find the player at home. A police investigation is now underway.
A spokesperson for Sterling confirmed the distressing incident in a statement:
“We can confirm that Raheem Sterling was the victim of a home break-in this weekend. We can also confirm that he and his children were present at home at the time.
Whilst this was an ultimate violation of privacy and safety, we are thankful that he and his loved ones are all safe. We ask that the privacy of Raheem and his loved ones be respected at this challenging time.”
The break-in comes during a turbulent period for Raheem Sterling, who has found himself out of Chelsea’s Premier League squad under new manager Enzo Maresca. The forward spent last season on loan at Arsenal and has struggled to regain his place in the Blues’ setup this term.
This latest incident echoes a harrowing experience during the 2022 World Cup, when Sterling’s then-home in Surrey was also targeted by burglars while he was away on international duty. In that case, police later charged a suspect in connection with 33 separate counts of conspiracy to commit burglary.
In light of a recent surge in home invasions involving high-profile footballers, several Premier League clubs — particularly those in the North West — are reportedly stepping up security measures.
A private security consultant speaking to The Mail revealed that one major club has taken the drastic step of employing former MMA fighters to protect its players and their families.
“One massive club with several players in the Cheshire area has boosted security. They’ve brought in a couple of former MMA fighters to bodyguard the players and act as house sitters when the players are away,” the consultant said.
“These guys are experienced, confident, and highly capable when it comes to physical confrontations. One handles close protection while the other stays at the property when the player is away on club duty. If a young player wants to go to a nightclub, they’ll go with them to make sure nothing happens.”
The rise in targeted attacks has reignited conversations around player safety and privacy, with many stars now investing heavily in home surveillance systems, private guards, and even 24-hour live-in security staff.
For Sterling, the priority will be ensuring his family feels safe once again — a challenge no professional athlete should have to face in the supposed security of their own home.
