Raheem Sterling’s career has taken another unexpected turn, with the former England winger facing criminal charges following a road accident in Hampshire, as per a report from The Athletic.

Sterling has been charged with dangerous driving, along with possessing nitrous oxide for wrongful inhalation and failing to provide a specimen. The charges relate to a May 28 incident on the southbound M3 near the Minley Interchange, where his Lamborghini was involved in a single-vehicle crash.

Police confirmed that no other vehicle was involved and that nobody was injured. Sterling was arrested after the incident and subsequently released on bail. He is scheduled to appear at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on September 15.

The charges represent allegations and Sterling has not been convicted of any offence. Earlier reports had suggested that police were investigating whether the footballer may have been under the influence of drugs while driving. However, that suspected offence has not been included in the charges now brought against him.

The legal issue comes as Sterling attempts to find the next chapter of his football career. Once among the Premier League’s most dangerous attacking players, he enjoyed a spectacular spell at Manchester City, winning four league titles, five League Cups and the FA Cup.

His move to Chelsea in 2022, however, failed to produce the expected impact. After falling down the pecking order, Sterling spent the 2024-25 campaign on loan at Arsenal before joining Feyenoord on a short-term deal.

He made only eight appearances for the Dutch club and is currently without a team. Sterling’s England career has also ended, with 20 goals from 82 international appearances. At 31, Sterling now faces uncertainty both on and off the pitch as he looks to revive his career.