Raheem Sterling is the latest in a long line of footballers to have fallen victim to criminals who prey on the rich and successful. Many Premier League clubs employ security companies to protect the homes of players when they are away on duty, but a number of high-profile players have nevertheless had their homes broken into - often by armed gangs.
On many such occasions, they or their family have been in the property and the experiences have been terrifying. Among known cases are the following prominent ones:
Victor Lindelof - 2022
Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof was on duty against Brentford in the Premier League when intruders broke into his family home while his wife, Maja Lindelof, and his two kids were present . Lindelof's family did not suffer any physical harm during the incident thanks to Maja's presence of mind as she locked herself with her two kids inside a room.
She was able to call her mother while the intruders were still in the house. Later, police and security guards arrived and told the family to come out of hiding.
Paul Pogba -2022
Paul Pogba was playing for Manchester United in a Champions League game against Atletico Madrid when his home's security was breached by robbers. Both his children were fast asleep and unharmed in the incident, but Pogba and his wife had no way of knowing that as they rushed home.
The Frenchman described it as his "worst nightmare". It was later confirmed that a safe containing his most prized possessions was stolen.
Joao Cancelo - 2021
Manchester City fullback Joao Cancelo was attacked in his own home in an encounter that left him with bruises and cuts near the right eye. He, his wife Daniela Machado and two-year-old daughter Alicia were left terrorised after the incident.
The gang ran away with all the jewelry that was in the house.
Gabriel Magalhaes - 2020
The Arsenal centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes was returning home after a night out with a friend when two masked men followed him into the garage of his north London home. He parked his £45,000 Mercedes and got out only to find a masked thug wielding a baseball, threatening him and asking for his belongings.
In a courageous display, Gabriel successfully fought him off. The perpetrator was later identified after his hat was found at the crime scene. He was sentenced to five years in jail.
Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha - 2020
The Knightsbridge home of the late Leicester City owner was broken into and more than £1 million of valuables that had been left as a shrine following his death were stolen.
A source said: "His house was totally ransacked and a lot of precious and sentimental items were taken."
Sadio Mane - 2019
Sadio Mane's Merseyside home in was burgled during a Champions League match between Liverpool and Bayern Munich. The Senegalese forward was playing at Anfield when a number of people forced entry.
Luxury watches, mobile phones and car keys were among the items stolen during the incident.
Frank Lampard - 2019
This was the fourth time the former Chelsea star and Everton manager had his home broken into. On this occasion, a gang invaded his £12m home in Chelsea and got away with £60,000 of jewellery and watches belonging to Lampard and wife Christine. Christine, 42, said: "I have struggled to sleep sometimes since the incident as I am sensitive to any noise from outside fearing another attack."
In 2005 and 2008 thieves stole cars from his previous home, including a Mercedes and Aston Martin.
Roberto Firmino - 2017
Roberto Firmino's home in Mossley Hill was raided by a hooded gang in January 2017. Firmino, his wife and two children were not at the home at the time but thieves stole £70,000 worth of jewellery, watches and clothes.
Wayne Rooney - 2016
Former England skipper Wayne Rooney had his Cheshire mansion burgled while he was playing in his own testimonial in August 2016. A man was seen entering the grounds of the family’s home at about 8.30pm and CCTV showed him with his face covered by a balaclava.
Police searching the grounds found a rucksac, containing items including cable ties, a head torch and a balaclava.
Romalu Lukaku - 2016
Romelu Lukaku was the victim of a break-in while he was on international duty in 2016, during his time at Goodison Park. A group of burglars were jailed for the break-in that saw one man attempt to rip a projector from the wall of the footballer's cinema room at his home in Wilmslow, Cheshire.
Phil Jagielka - 2009
Everton captain Phil Jagielka was held at knifepoint when an armed gang burst into his Cheshire mansion. Jagielka was forced to open a safe and hand over jewellery, believed to include two high value Rolex and Breitling watches in 2009.
They also took keys to his Range Rover and sped away in the vehicle which was later found abandoned a short distance away having suffered slight damage.
Steven Gerrard - 2007
Steven Gerrard's home was targeted during a Champions League match for Liverpool in 2007. His wife, Alex, confronted the gang who demanded she hand over jewellery and the contents of a safe or else they would “take her kids”.
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