In a dramatic late-afternoon incident over the weekend, former Manchester City and current Chelsea F.C. forward Raheem Sterling faced down a group of masked intruders at his Berkshire residence while his family were present.
According to reliable sources, the 30-year-old England international heard the burglars in the upstairs area of the property between approximately 6:30 pm and 7:00 pm on Saturday evening.
A Father’s Instinct
Rather than flee the scene, Sterling’s first priority was the safety of his partner, Paige Milian, and their two sons, Thiago (8) and Thai Cruz (6). He then reportedly retrieved a kitchen knife and went upstairs to confront the masked group.
“He grabbed a knife out of a block in the kitchen and went to confront the intruders… it was acting on pure adrenaline but it worked,”
The intruders, seemingly startled by Sterling’s presence and readiness to defend his home, fled without taking any valuables.
Background & Broader Context
This event marks the third reported burglary attempt against Sterling’s residences in seven years. Previous incidents include one at his Surrey home during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, when jewellery and watches worth an estimated £300,000 were stolen.
Sterling’s representative issued 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 the ultimate violation of privacy and safety, we are thankful to be able to confirm 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.”
Meanwhile, Thames Valley Police has launched a thorough investigation into the incident, appealing for anyone with information or who observed suspicious activity in the area to come forward.
Why This Matters
The timing is notable: the break-in occurred shortly before Chelsea’s scheduled match that evening — the intruders may have presumed Sterling would be away.
The home-defence response by Sterling highlights how vulnerable even high-profile athletes can be to crime.
With multiple incidents on record, questions will be raised about security provisions for public figures and their families.
What’s Next
While there have been no confirmed injuries to Sterling or his family, the psychological impact of such an event should not be underestimated. The club is reportedly offering support to Sterling and his family during this time.
Investigators are working to trace the intruders and determine how they gained entry and why they departed so quickly. The case underscores the ongoing challenge of safeguarding private homes, especially those of public figures.
