Dujon Henriques Sterling was born on 24th October 1999 in Islington, England. He began his youth career at under-8 level with Chelsea in 2007, and spent the next 16 years at the club.
First Steps in Football
The 6ft 1in defender rose through the ranks, winning plaudits and honors over the years in both domestic and international football. He made 88 appearances in total for Chelsea at U18, U19, and U21 levels, during which he scored 13 goals and provided ten assists.
Sterling made his under-19 debut at just 15 years-old against Sporting CP in the UEFA Youth League, and earned promotion to the Blues’ under-23 squad at sixteen. He signed his first professional contract with Chelsea on his 17th birthday in October, 2016.
The Years Out on Loan
In the 2017-18 season, Sterling managed just two senior appearances—in the FA Cup and the League Cup—for the Blues, spending 15 total minutes on the pitch with late substitute cameos.
He joined Coventry City in League One on loan for the 2018-19 season, and made 40 senior appearances for the Sky Blues, providing five assists.
Next season, he joined Wigan Athletic in the Championship but managed only ten appearances in all competitions, providing one assist.
The 2020-21 season was again disappointing for Sterling. He appeared in 12 matches for Chelsea in Premier League 2 but failed to break into the first team squad. Still, he extended his stay at the Blues for two years before returning to the Championship for the 2021-22 season with Blackpool.
He made 25 appearances for Blackpool across all competitions, playing at right back, left back, and as part of the back three on occasion.
In September 2022, Sterling joined Stoke City on loan for yet another season in the Championship. He made 28 appearances in all competitions for the club but did not manage any goals or assists.
Move to Rangers FC and the Future
Sterling signed for the Light Blues in May 2023, and has made 42 appearances to date across all competitions. He has scored one goal, created two assists, and won the Scottish League Cup in 2023-24.
However, competition for right back is tough at Rangers this season, with the club bringing in Neraysho Kasanwirjo to add depth and versatility. Sterling will have to win playing time from James Tavernier, Kasanwirjo, and the youngster Adam Devine.
He has represented England at several age groups—U16, U17, U19, and U20, making 39 total appearances, and helping them win the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in 2017. He has also won two FA Youth Cups , two UEFA Youth Leagues , and the U18 Premier League with Chelsea.