Image Credits: Imago Images
It has been a turbulent 18 months for Raheem Sterling. From being frozen out at Chelsea to a forgettable loan spell at Arsenal, the former Liverpool winger’s career appeared to be drifting. But on Sunday night in Rotterdam, Sterling finally stepped back onto a football pitch competitively for the first time since May 2025.
The 31-year-old came off the bench in the 61st minute of Feyenoord’s 2-1 home win over Telstar at De Kuip, replacing Gijs Smal with the hosts already ahead. It was a largely quiet cameo – a few trademark dribbles from the left flank – but the warm reception from the Feyenoord faithful told its own story.
Sterling signed for the Eredivisie side on February 12 as a free agent after mutually terminating his Chelsea contract in January, 18 months before it was due to expire. Plenty of sides across England and Europe reportedly showed interest, but it was conversations with manager Robin van Persie and CEO Dennis te Kloese that convinced him Rotterdam was the right move.
And judging from the fan reaction at the Kuip on Suday evening, Sterling made the right choice. The former Liverpool winger came on to raucous applause from the home fans, something he surely would have appreciated having been on the outside looking in at Chelsea:
Raheem Sterling debuteert voor Feyenoord! 🤩#feytel pic.twitter.com/S5Nn4Xpd9v
— ESPN NL (@ESPNnl) February 22, 2026
Speaking after his cameo, Sterling said via ESPN:
“I haven’t played for a little bit but I have been trying to keep fit, I am building one step at a time and trying to get to match fitness.”
“It was a great introduction,” he added. “The trip to Belgium was one for myself, a very good one to get integrated with the boys and know your team-mates.
“I am here for a new experience, a new challenge. It’s now maintaining that consistency and reaching our targets.”
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