Raheem Sterling has been charged with dangerous driving and possession of nitrous oxide after a crash on the M3 motorway, a development that will be closely followed by fans in Canada and the United States.
Charges and Court Appearance
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary said the charges followed a single‑vehicle collision on the M3 southbound, near Minley interchange, on May 28.
The 31‑year‑old is accused of dangerous driving, possession of nitrous oxide for wrongful inhalation and failing to provide a specimen.
This case resonates in Canada and the United States, where high‑profile athletes have also faced traffic‑related offenses, underscoring the scrutiny public figures endure on North American roads.
The force said that no other vehicles were involved in the collision and no injuries were reported.
Sterling, from Berkshire, is due to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates' Court for a hearing on September 15.
Fans of Sterling in Toronto and New York have expressed surprise, given his prominence in the Premier League and ongoing discussions about his future.
Career Background
He made 82 appearances for England, helping Gareth Southgate's side reach the 2018 World Cup semi‑finals and the final of Euro 2020.
He came through the academy at QPR before joining Liverpool, where he made his senior debut.
Sterling moved to Manchester City in 2015 and won four Premier League titles, five League Cups and the FA Cup in 2019.
He left for Chelsea in 2022 but after falling out of favour spent the 2024‑25 season on loan at Arsenal.
After leaving Stamford Bridge, Sterling joined Dutch club Feyenoord on a short‑term deal until the end of the season and is currently without a club.
In the 2021 Queen's Birthday Honours, Sterling was made an MBE for services to racial equality in sport after fronting anti‑racism campaigns and speaking out strongly against racism on and off the pitch for several years.