Man City footballer Raheem Sterling awarded gold Blue Peter badge

Written by I Love MCR
Last updated 5 years ago
City of Manchester, Man City, Sport, TV & Radio

Ryan Giggs has got one. So has David Beckham. Now Raheem Sterling has joined the exclusive club.

Only a handful of footballers are lucky enough to win medals. Even fewer are awarded gold Blue Peter badges.

The Manchester City footballer has been awarded a coveted gold Blue Peter badge in recognition of his success for both club and country on the pitch and for his work combating negativity off it.

It’s the highest accolade the BBC TV children’s programme can award – and only a handful are presented each year.

They are awarded to individuals who show great expertise in their chosen field; are considered to be role models; and who encourage and motivate children across many generations.

Past winners include The Queen, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Sir David Attenborough, Sir Paul McCartney, JK Rowling, Steven Spielberg, Mary Berry, Ed Sheeran and Madonna.

CBBC viewers can see the moment the Manchester City and England star receives the badge on today’s Blue Peter (Thursday 17th October 2019) at 5.30pm on CBBC.

On today’s programme, Lutae and Jazmin, two young football fans, meet Raheem and chat to him about a range of subjects including growing up dreaming of becoming a football player, what it means to play for England, playing against adversity and his love of Jamaican food.

Presenting the coveted award, Blue Peter presenter Richie Driss tells him: “Raheem, clearly we think you are amazing. You are a role model, not only for Manchester City fans but also to all of our fans across the UK.

“You’re an inspiration not only on the pitch but also off the pitch with your willingness to stand up for people’s rights. So with that in mind it would be an absolute honour to award you our highest accolade… the Blue Peter gold badge.”

On receiving the rare badge Raheem says: “Thank you very much, it means a lot.”

Richie goes on to joke: “Now that you’ve got a Blue Peter gold badge you don’t need to focus on winning the Champions League,” to which Raheem replies: “Yes I think I will settle for this and call it a day!”

Let’s hope Pep isn’t watching.

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