Raheem Sterling kicks off Headspace ambassador role

In partnership with Headspace, which reaches 70 million people in 190 countries, Sterling will demonstrate the benefits of meditation and the positive impact the activity can have on productivity and focus.

Welcoming his new role off the pitch, Sterling said: “Meditation is a practice I have benefited from greatly as a professional athlete, supporting me in balancing my thinking, focusing, and diminishing external noises, especially during the summer’s Uefa Euro 2020 tournament.

“... I’m looking forward to the difference we can make together in developing the conversation around mental health, educating on tools and resources that can help people manage everyday challenges.”

Sterling’s role dovetails with the launch of Headspace for Educators, an introduction to the importance of mindfulness in the classroom following pandemic research indicating that 79% of educators feel that their job has adversely affected their mental health over the past year.

Headspace’s vice-president marketing Louise Troen said: “From intense international training schedules and overcoming adversity both on and off the pitch, to being a devoted family man – it’s clear Raheem is committed to Finding Space that helps him to manage all. Hearing that meditation and mindfulness are a strong part of his daily wellness routine has allowed us to come together and create tools to support the next generation.”

Sterling has found himself in high demand from brands taking a stance on social issues, notably as the face of an anti-racism campaign as part of a long-running association with Nike.