Brief Introduction of Ruesha Littlejohn
Ruesha Littlejohn is a highly experienced and tenacious professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Crystal Palace in the English Women’s Super League 2 and represents the Republic of Ireland at the senior international level. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, she is known for her versatile and resilient playing style, which has seen her enjoy a lengthy and varied career across top-tier leagues in Scotland, England, and Norway. Littlejohn has played for a multitude of prominent clubs, including Arsenal, Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Celtic. Having initially represented Scotland at the youth level, she switched her allegiance to the Republic of Ireland, for whom she is eligible through her maternal grandparents. She has since become a vital component of the Irish national team, earning over 90 caps and featuring in major tournaments such as the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Ruesha Littlejohn Overview
| Full Name | Ruesha Littlejohn |
| Date of Birth | July 3, 1990 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 35 |
| Birthplace | Glasgow, Scotland |
| Profession | Professional Footballer |
| Husband/Wife | Not publicly available |
| Family | Shebahn Littlejohn (Twin Sister) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Formerly in a long-term relationship with Katie McCabe. |
| Net Worth | Estimated around $1 million – $5 million (not officially verified) |
Early Life and Education of Ruesha Littlejohn
Ruesha Littlejohn was born in Glasgow, Scotland, on July 3, 1990. She was raised in the Old Drumchapel area of Glasgow. Her heritage is a mix of Scottish and Irish, with her mother being of Irish descent, a fact that would later become significant in her international football career. This dual heritage shaped her identity and provided her with the opportunity to represent the Republic of Ireland. She has a twin sister, Shebahn, who has pursued a career in media as a broadcaster for Talksport. Littlejohn’s football journey began at a young age, playing for local youth clubs such as Clydebank Girls and Baillieston Girls. She later joined Arsenal North, a youth team that would eventually become part of the Celtic FC youth setup. Her early years were dedicated to honing her skills, laying a strong foundation for a professional career in the sport. Information regarding her formal education beyond her football development is not widely publicized.
Ruesha Littlejohn’s Career
Ruesha Littlejohn’s senior career is notable for its breadth and longevity, featuring spells at numerous clubs across several countries. She began her professional journey in January 2007 when she signed with Glasgow City at just 16 years old. During her multiple stints with the Scottish giants, she achieved significant success, winning several Scottish Women’s Premier League titles, Scottish FA Cups in 2009, 2012, and 2013, and the Premier League Cup in 2009 and 2013.
In January 2010, she moved to England to join the reigning champions, Arsenal. However, a managerial change shortly after her arrival limited her opportunities, leading to a loan spell back in Scotland with Rangers. She later joined Liverpool in 2011. A pivotal moment in her career came in 2014 when she moved to Norway to play for IL Sandviken. She excelled, finishing the season as the league’s top scorer with 19 goals in 22 matches, helping the team secure promotion to the Toppserien.
Over the subsequent years, Littlejohn’s career saw her play for Celtic, London Bees, and West Ham United. In 2021, she had stints with both Leicester City and Birmingham City in the Women’s Super League. At Birmingham, she was part of a team that faced significant challenges, with players highlighting unfavorable working conditions, an issue Littlejohn later spoke about publicly. Following her departure from Birmingham, she signed for Aston Villa in September 2021, where she played for two seasons under manager Carla Ward, making over 25 appearances. In August 2023, she joined London City Lionesses on a two-year deal. However, her time with the club ended prematurely in January 2025 when it was announced she had left by mutual agreement. Littlejohn later revealed the contract termination was unexpected and expressed disappointment with how the situation was handled. After a brief spell with Irish club Shamrock Rovers in early 2025, she returned to England, signing for Crystal Palace in September 2025.
Internationally, Littlejohn initially represented Scotland at the under-15, under-17, and under-19 levels, scoring 12 goals in 15 appearances for the U19s. However, due to personal differences with the senior team manager, she was not selected for the senior squad. Her Irish teammates at Arsenal became aware of her eligibility for the Republic of Ireland through her maternal grandparents and alerted the FAI. In February 2012, she received her first call-up and made her debut against Hungary on March 7, 2012. She has since become a stalwart for the “Girls in Green,” earning over 90 caps and was a key member of the squad for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, playing in all three group stage matches.
Ruesha Littlejohn Personal Life & Family
Ruesha Littlejohn was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and has a twin sister, Shebahn Littlejohn, who works as a radio presenter and reporter for Talksport. She is openly lesbian. For many years, she was in a high-profile relationship with fellow Republic of Ireland teammate and captain, Katie McCabe. The couple was public about their relationship, often seen as inspirational figures within the LGBTQ+ community and in women’s football. They confirmed their separation in 2023, after more than seven years together. The breakup garnered media attention, particularly during the 2023 Women’s World Cup following an on-pitch incident where Littlejohn appeared to refuse a handshake with Australian player Caitlin Foord, who had been seen on holiday with McCabe. Littlejohn maintains an active presence outside of football, including appearing on podcasts and engaging with social media, which she has stated is an important part of her identity.
Awards and Achievements of Ruesha Littlejohn
- Scottish Women’s Premier League Champion (Multiple times with Glasgow City)
- Scottish FA Cup Winner: 2009, 2012, 2013
- Scottish Women’s Premier League Cup Winner: 2009, 2013
- Norwegian First Division Champion: 2014 (with IL Sandviken)
- Norwegian First Division Top Scorer: 2014
- Glasgow City Top Goalscorer: 2009
Ruesha Littlejohn Net Worth and Income
The exact net worth of Ruesha Littlejohn is not publicly disclosed and figures vary across different online sources. Some estimations place her net worth between $1 million and $5 million, although these are not officially verified. Her income is primarily derived from her professional football contracts with clubs like Crystal Palace. Additional income sources may include endorsements, sponsorships, and appearance fees related to her status as an international footballer. Throughout her extensive career, she has played for numerous clubs in top-flight leagues in England, Scotland, and Norway, which would have contributed to her earnings over the years.
Legacy and Influence
Ruesha Littlejohn’s legacy is that of a trailblazing and resilient figure in women’s football. Her extensive career, which has spanned nearly two decades and numerous clubs, is a testament to her adaptability and enduring quality as a player. She has been an influential figure for the Republic of Ireland national team, playing a crucial role in their qualification for their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023. Her journey of switching national allegiance from Scotland to Ireland highlights the complexities of identity in modern sport and has paved the way for others. Furthermore, by being open about her sexuality and her relationship with Katie McCabe for many years, she became an important role model for the LGBTQ+ community, promoting inclusivity and acceptance within the sport. Her willingness to speak out on issues affecting female players, such as the training conditions at Birmingham City, has also marked her as a player who advocates for better standards and professionalism in the women’s game.
Interesting Facts about Ruesha Littlejohn
- She has a twin sister named Shebahn, who is a sports broadcaster.
- Before representing the Republic of Ireland, she was a prolific goalscorer for Scotland’s Under-19 team, netting 12 goals in 15 games.
- During her season in Norway with IL Sandviken in 2014, she won the league’s Golden Boot, scoring 19 goals.
- Her move to represent the Republic of Ireland came about after her Arsenal teammates, including Emma Byrne, alerted the FAI to her eligibility through her Irish grandparents.
- She has played for at least 13 different senior clubs throughout her career.
Controversies
Ruesha Littlejohn has been involved in a few publicized controversies during her career. In 2021, she was vocal about the poor facilities and lack of support for the women’s team at Birmingham City, revealing that the squad had been “kicked off” pitches during training sessions. More recently, in early 2025, her departure from London City Lionesses was described as inharmonious. Littlejohn stated that her contract was terminated unexpectedly and felt the club “lacked a bit of class” in how they managed her exit. During the 2023 Women’s World Cup, she was the subject of media attention after she declined to shake the hand of Australia’s Caitlin Foord before their match, which occurred shortly after Littlejohn’s public breakup with long-term partner and Ireland captain Katie McCabe, who is Foord’s Arsenal teammate. In November 2025, she received a red card while playing for Crystal Palace for a “WWE-style takedown” on Leicester City’s Hannah Cain, an incident for which she faced the possibility of an extended ban beyond the standard three games for violent conduct.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not disclosed
- Twitter – Information not disclosed
- YouTube – Not publicly available
Final Words about Ruesha Littlejohn
As of late 2025, Ruesha Littlejohn continues to be an active and impactful figure in professional football. Currently playing for Crystal Palace in the Women’s Super League 2, she brings a wealth of experience to her team. Despite the challenges and numerous club changes throughout her career, her determination remains undiminished. A primary ambition for Littlejohn is to reach the milestone of 100 international caps for the Republic of Ireland, a goal she is actively pursuing. Her career demonstrates remarkable longevity and a fighting spirit, both on and off the pitch. Whether navigating club controversies or competing at the highest international level, Ruesha Littlejohn’s journey is one of resilience. Her legacy will be defined not only by her on-field achievements but also by her role in the growth of women’s football and her authenticity as a person and an athlete.