Raheem Sterling was arrested on May 28, 2026, on suspicion of driving while unfit through drugs, dangerous driving, possession of a Class C drug, and failing to provide a specimen following a crash into motorway barriers on the M3 southbound near Minley Interchange in Hampshire [1, 2, 3, 4].
The 31-year-old former England international was driving a Lamborghini when he collided with the barriers. No other vehicles were involved and no injuries were reported [1, 2, 3, 4]. Sterling, from Berkshire, was released on bail pending further enquiries [1, 2, 3, 4].
Sources close to Sterling described the last couple of years as "extremely tough" and said he had been made to feel "worthless and forgotten about" amid "immeasurable psychological strain" [1, 2]. They emphasized the arrest was on suspicion only and said "there is no proof of anything in his system" [2]. Another source remarked that the case "brings into the spotlight modern treatment of players who are no longer 'fit for purpose' -- disposable" [4].
Sterling joined Dutch club Feyenoord in February 2026 on a short-term deal after leaving Chelsea by mutual consent. He made eight appearances in the Eredivisie this season [1, 2, 3, 4]. Earlier in his career, he played for Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, and spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Arsenal [1, 2, 3, 4].
He earned 82 caps for England, scoring 20 goals, and helped the national team reach the 2018 World Cup semifinals and the Euro 2020 final [2, 3, 4]. Sterling won four Premier League titles with Manchester City [1, 2, 3, 4].
Police received reports just before 9 a.m. on May 28 about the Lamborghini collision, leading to his arrest later that morning [1, 2, 3, 4]. News reports and police statements about the arrest were published two days later on May 30 [1, 2, 3, 4].
