In the world of sports broadcasting, few names have captured attention quite like Shebahn Aherne. With a sharp insight into women’s football, a warm on-air presence, and a career trajectory that’s quickly gaining momentum, Aherne is turning heads as one of the rising voices of sports media. In this deep dive, we explore who she is, how she got here, and what to expect next from this talent on the move.
Early Life & Background
Shebahn Aherne was born on July 3, 1990, in Glasgow, Scotland. She grew up in a family that valued sports, which laid an early foundation for her interest in media coverage of sporting events.
Although many sources vary on the precise details of her childhood and education, it is known that Aherne studied broadcasting or media-related disciplines gaining experience in radio and television formats. Her educational path sharpened her storytelling and production skills, which she would later parlay into a broadcasting career.
A distinctive facet of her personal life is her twin sister, Ruesha Littlejohn, who is a professional soccer player (representing the Republic of Ireland). The sibling connection offers Shebahn a deeper vantage point into the athlete’s experience and perhaps an extra motivation in her sports journalism journey.
Building the Career From Radio to Sports Media
- Early Steps & Radio Beginnings
Shebahn Aherne career began in the media world through radio. She immersed herself in presenter and production roles for local or regional radio stations, refining her voice, pacing, and broadcasting instincts before entering the national stage. She spent time with Bauer Media, which gave her exposure and experience in the behind-the-scenes dynamics of radio.
Over time, she made the transition into sports journalism a shift that aligned her media skills with her passion for sport, especially women’s football.
Breakthrough: Joining talkSPORT & Women’s Football
A pivotal moment in Shebahn Aherne trajectory was her involvement with talkSPORT, a prominent UK sports radio network. Already somewhat of a niche within sports media, women’s football began to demand more coverage in the late 2010s and Shebahn positioned herself as one of those voices ready to fill the demand.
At talkSPORT, she started producing content packages (e.g. sending in game-week wrap-ups) and carving out a space for herself in match previews, post-match analysis, and women’s football discourse. She even went on to front a Monday morning show on talkSPORT dedicated to women’s football.
Shebahn has expressed that she views talkSPORT as a place that encourages opinion, analysis, and personal voice not just rote commentary. That environment allowed her to bring her passion to the mic and differentiate herself as more than just a neutral presenter.
Expanding to DAZN & Television Work
In addition to radio, Shebahn Aherne’s career has branched outward into global sports media. Since November 2022, she has worked as a freelance reporter for DAZN, covering women’s soccer and related events. Her role at DAZN leverages her expertise and helps connect her to more international audiences.
On the television front, she has also worked with ITV’s Good Morning Britain, not just as a presenter but also behind the scenes as an entertainment producer. This crossover experience underscores her versatility she’s comfortable both in front of and behind the camera.
As women’s football has gained more attention, Shebahn Aherne’s media presence has increased correspondingly. Beyond radio and TV, she also creates content on her YouTube channel, where she offers opinions, match previews, and deep dives into female soccer topics.
She’s interviewed players, discussed controversies, and offered insight into major tournaments her media footprint continues to grow.
Spotlight Moments & Career Highlights
- Covering the Women’s World Cup
One of the more memorable chapters in her career was her coverage of the Women’s World Cup (Australia & New Zealand). Shebahn Aherne traveled across continents to cover the tournament, and in her reflections she said:
“What’s amazing is when you’re at work but also a fan… it doesn’t feel like work.”
She also got to interview her twin sister, Ruesha Littlejohn, in the mixed zone after matches those moments of the sibling dynamic being visible were especially poignant. Her dual perspective as a sister and journalist brought nuance and authenticity to her coverage.
Anchoring Women’s Football Discourse
Shebahn Aherne is increasingly recognized as a thought leader in women’s football media. She regularly comments on the WSL (Women’s Super League), title races, club strategies, and the growing influence of investment and broadcasting in the women’s game. Her analytical style is not simply reciting stats it’s interpreting context, narrating trends, and questioning assumptions.
She has also been vocal about access, visibility, and growth: she often notes that new media channels (social media, TikTok, mobile access) have democratized how fans consume women’s football and that properly combining passion with respect will further propel the sport.
Digital Voice & Audience Engagement
Her digital presence is another strength. On Instagram, Shebahn has a following of ~95,000 (as per public data) and often uses her platform to share behind-the-scenes moments, personal updates, and commentary.
Her YouTube channel is also active, with content showing previews, interviews, and tactical breakdowns. For instance, her preview videos for UEFA Women’s Champions League matches draw interest from fans eager for more depth.
By merging traditional media roles with digital content, she is cultivating a multi-platform career rather than relying on just one channel.
Personal Life & Identity
Behind the public persona, Shebahn Aherne maintains a relatively private personal life. Some known details:
- She is married to Jamie Aherne, who reportedly works in the real estate sector.
- Together, they have two children. Aherne occasionally shares glimpses of her family life on social media, though she keeps names and details mostly private.
- Her twin sister, Ruesha Littlejohn, is a high-profile athlete. That relationship gives Shebahn a unique empathy toward the experiences of players, especially in women’s football.
In interviews, Shebahn Aherne has spoken about the challenges of balancing work and motherhood, especially in a media environment that demands travel, long hours, and public presence. She approaches it with intention, emphasizing the importance of support systems, prioritization, and creating routines that preserve energy.
Her identity as a Scottish broadcaster who champions women’s football gives her a distinct voice not just as someone covering games, but as someone invested in changing narratives and creating opportunities in a field historically dominated by men.
Challenges & Growth Areas
No rising star’s journey is without hurdles. In Shebahn’s case:
- Perception & gender biases: As a female voice in sports broadcasting, she often confronts skepticism about her knowledge or authority. She addresses this by being thoroughly prepared and refusing to shy away from opinion.
- Time & travel: Covering global tournaments means significant travel. Balancing that with family responsibilities is not trivial and requires support planning.
- Evolving media landscape: As content consumption shifts (short-form video, social media, streaming), adapting formats and distribution becomes essential. Shebahn Aherne seems to navigate this by actively producing content across platforms.
- Sustaining momentum: Breaking into larger TV broadcasting or securing permanent anchor roles will test how she negotiates contracts, networks, and branding moves.
Yet, her track record suggests she is positioning herself well to meet those challenges by diversifying, staying connected to the sport, and leaning into her voice.
What’s Next? The Road Ahead
Given how rapidly her profile is rising, here are some anticipated moves or directions:
- Larger television roles: It’s plausible she will land more permanent or higher-visibility broadcasting roles in the UK or beyond, perhaps anchoring women’s football coverage on major networks.
- Major tournament host or correspondent: She may be selected for future UEFA Women’s European Championships, Olympics, or other marquee events as a primary reporter or host.
- Original content & podcasting: With her digital leanings, she could develop a podcast or video series dedicated to women’s soccer tales, tactics, or off-field stories.
- Advocacy and mentorship: As she gains more influence, she might invest time in mentoring upcoming female sports journalists or championing better opportunities and representation.
- Global expansion: Although her roots and early work are UK/Scotland oriented, her DAZN work positions her to cross into international markets covering leagues in Europe, US, or elsewhere.
Final Thoughts
Shebahn Aherne’s ascension in sports broadcasting is not a coincidence it’s the product of genuine passion, adaptability, and consistent craft. From her radio roots to her growing global platform with DAZN and digital output, she is carving a unique niche as a trusted voice in women’s football.
Her connections to the sport both personally (through her sister) and professionally give her depth and authenticity. While challenges remain in balancing visibility, travel, and family, her trajectory indicates that she’s ready to meet them head-on. For fans, media watchers, or aspiring sports broadcasters, her story offers inspiration: the ability to start small, stay true to theme, and diversify boldly can turn a voice into influence.
