Melissa Reddy: A Trailblazing Force in Global Sports Journalism
Melissa Reddy has emerged as one of the most influential and inspiring figures in modern sports media. A South African native now based in the United Kingdom, she is an award-winning author, senior broadcast journalist and event host with almost two decades of experience in the industry. From breaking news on the Premier League’s biggest transfers to crafting long-form features and in-depth interviews with world football’s top stars, Reddy has consistently combined fearless reporting with exceptional storytelling. Her journey reflects dedication, resilience, and a determination to break down barriers in an arena long dominated by men.
This article presents a complete picture of Melissa Reddy’s life and career, offering insights into her professional milestones, personal convictions, and the challenges she has overcome to become a leading voice in international sports journalism.
Early Life and Background
South African Roots
Born on 24 August 1986 in South Africa, Melissa Reddy grew up in a country where football is a national passion. From a young age she was captivated by the excitement of live sport and the power of well-told stories. These interests shaped her academic and professional path, leading her to pursue journalism with a focus on sport.
First Steps in Media
While still at university, Reddy began building her skills with an internship at Summit TV, a South African business channel. The experience of working in a live newsroom sharpened her understanding of broadcasting and provided the early confidence she needed to thrive in a competitive field.
Career Journey
Pioneering Roles in South Africa
Reddy’s professional career started at TEAMtalk Media in 2007. Her ability and drive saw her promoted quickly, becoming Head of Football by 2011. She then made history as the first woman to serve as Deputy Editor of Kick Off magazine, one of Africa’s leading football publications.
In addition to her editorial roles, she became the first female football analyst on SuperSport’s flagship shows Backpages and Monday Night Football, breaking traditional gender barriers in South African sports media. These early achievements not only proved her talent but also paved the way for other aspiring female journalists on the continent.
Breaking into the UK Scene
In January 2014, Reddy moved to the United Kingdom to join GOAL as Liverpool FC Correspondent. Over nearly six years she reported on every match, home and away, across domestic and European competitions. Her deep access allowed her to exclusively interview Brendan Rodgers and Jürgen Klopp, and she broke major transfer stories, such as the club’s strategic move to sign Mohamed Salah instead of Julian Brandt.
This period cemented her reputation as a journalist with unmatched insight into one of the world’s most passionately supported football clubs.
ESPN and Independent Media
From 2017 to 2019, Reddy worked as Senior Football Correspondent for ESPN, where she produced long-form features and exclusive interviews on the Premier League and the Champions League. One standout piece was a revealing interview and tour of Liverpool’s Albert Dock with Trent Alexander-Arnold, showcasing her skill in drawing out personal stories from elite athletes.
In November 2019, she joined Independent Media (The Independent) as Senior Football Correspondent, a position she held until March 2022. During this time she:
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Delivered on-location coverage of Euro 2020,
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Hosted the acclaimed podcast “Between the Lines”,
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Analysed the impact of Covid-19 on global football, and
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Documented Liverpool’s first Premier League title in 30 years.
These years further enhanced her standing as a trusted voice in football journalism.
High-Profile Role at Sky Sports
In March 2022, Melissa Reddy took another major step, joining Sky Sports and Sky Sports News as Senior Reporter. For over three years she focused on the Premier League’s biggest clubs, notably Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal, and covered major tournaments including the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and multiple Champions League finals.
Her work combined sharp analysis, breaking news and high-impact interviews with figures such as Ruben Amorim, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Arne Slot. Viewers valued her ability to explain complex stories clearly and to bring fans closer to the personalities shaping world football.
Exit from Sky Sports and New Directions
In May 2025, it was announced that Sky Sports would undergo a major restructuring. Melissa Reddy was among seven high-profile journalists and presenters to leave. On Instagram, she shared a powerful statement confirming her departure:
“ELEVENTH!!! season of Premier League coverage done and I’ve called time on three years at Sky. I’ll still be doing bits and bobs for them but I’m genuinely soooo excited to share all the things I’ll be working on soon, which will allow me to focus on my strengths and passions. For those that have BEEN asking for the past five years YES – that will include new books.”
Reddy explained that she intends to write more books and expand her freelance broadcasting and event hosting work. She highlighted that while she will still contribute to Sky occasionally, she is now focused on projects that give her creative freedom and align with her deepest interests.
Author, Podcaster and Event Host
Acclaimed Author
Reddy’s reputation as a writer was established with her bestselling book “Believe Us: How Jürgen Klopp Transformed Liverpool Into Title Winners”, an inside account of Liverpool’s resurgence under Klopp. Praised for its deep reporting and compelling narrative, the book demonstrated her ability to blend investigative journalism with vivid storytelling.
Podcast Host
She also created and hosted the “Between the Lines” podcast, where she explored football’s biggest issues through detailed conversations with leading figures. This series reinforced her standing as a specialist interviewer able to make audiences feel closer than ever to the people shaping the sport.
Event Presenter
Beyond writing and broadcasting, Melissa is a sought-after event host and speaker. Whether moderating panel discussions or leading major sports presentations, she brings clarity, charisma and authority to live settings.
Personal Life and Advocacy
Speaking Out on Abuse
Melissa Reddy has consistently used her platform to call out inequality. In her Sky departure statement, she detailed the misogynistic and racist abuse she has faced throughout her career, recalling how a journalist once sneered, “why are you letting them come over here and take our jobs?”. She noted that such attitudes have not disappeared but declared:
“I will always be stronger than the hate; I know who I am, I know the substance of my work. You can’t dim the light of someone who learned how to shine in the dark.”
Her candour has been widely praised, with industry colleagues lauding her courage and commitment to diversity in sports media.
Interests and Lifestyle
Away from the spotlight, Melissa enjoys fitness, wellness and padel tennis, a sport she regularly plays. She is active on social media, where her posts reflect her passion for sport, travel and balanced living. Despite occasional rumours linking her romantically with well-known footballers, she remains unmarried and keeps her private life discreet.
Relationships
Melissa Reddy remains unmarried, and she has not publicly confirmed any current relationship. Over the years there have been speculative rumours linking her to footballer Sadio Mané, but neither has provided public confirmation. Her privacy on personal matters underscores her professionalism and desire to keep the focus on her work rather than her private life.
Awards and Recognition
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Award-winning journalist and author with a global following.
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First woman to serve as Head of Football at TEAMtalk Media and Deputy Editor of Kick Off magazine.
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Highly regarded by players, managers and colleagues for her professionalism and integrity.
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Consistently cited as a role model for women and people of colour in sports journalism.
Legacy and Influence
Melissa Reddy’s story is one of ambition matched by talent. From the bustling newsrooms of South Africa to the high-stakes arenas of European football, she has demonstrated that quality reporting, intellectual curiosity and courage can overcome prejudice and resistance.
Her next chapter as a freelance broadcaster, author and event host promises to build on a career already rich in landmark moments. By continuing to tell powerful stories and champion inclusivity, she remains a guiding light for the next generation of sports journalists.
Conclusion
Melissa Reddy embodies excellence in modern sports media. A fearless reporter, acclaimed author and gifted interviewer, she has not only chronicled football’s greatest dramas but has also helped transform the culture of sports journalism itself. As she embarks on new projects—new books, high-profile interviews and innovative broadcasting—her influence will continue to grow, ensuring that her voice remains one of the most important in international sport.
