Northern Ireland brothers Shea Charles and Pierce Charles gave an exclusive interview at their London home about living together, careers and international form.
Life together in London
Shea and Pierce were born and grew up in Manchester and came through Manchester City's academy. This is their first time living in London and the third time they have lived together; both are based in west London. Their older brother Eoin and parents Mary and Kelvin often visit the home, while mother Mary was born in Northern Ireland.
The interview took place on Shea's 23rd birthday. Pierce surprised him with a cake and sang 'Happy Birthday' for the cameras. The brothers debate who is better at Grand Theft Auto and Fortnite, as well as who cooks the better steak sandwich. Shea said: “Mum is class. We appreciate mum”
Before the interview, they had a kick about in the garden for a game of 'two touch' and recalled playing competitive games such as Wembley in the family garden as children. Shea said: “When we used to play Wembley I would have always beaten you two and the loser went in nets.” Pierce said: “If you want a fun fact, people might think he is the best player now but Shea was actually the worst out of us when we were younger in the back garden.” He added: “It was me, then Eoin and then Shea. To be fair, he's improved massively since.”
On memories of breaking things at home, Shea said: “I broke the clock but I didn't break the lamp. It actually wasn't me, I swear.” He added: “I loved that lamp”. The brothers have yet to visit London's tourist spots since moving to the capital, but a trip to Thorpe Park just outside the city is described as being on the cards.
From Manchester City to London clubs
Pierce joined Sheffield Wednesday aged 16. Shea stayed at Manchester City and made his Premier League debut under Pep Guardiola in May 2023 before signing for Southampton that summer.
Shea joined Sheffield Wednesday on loan for the 2024-25 campaign, reuniting the brothers there. There was some 200 miles between them last year as Shea returned to St Mary's. After impressive performances for Sheffield Wednesday and Northern Ireland, Pierce returned to Manchester City in a long-term deal before joining Queens Park Rangers on loan in the summer.
Shea, a midfielder, joined Fulham from Southampton in a £30m move in August and became Northern Ireland's first £30m footballer. The brothers moved back in together after Shea joined Fulham and Pierce joined Queens Park Rangers.
London memories and the stadium connection
The brothers' first memories of London came from visiting their cousins growing up. There have been trips to Wembley to see childhood club Manchester City. The London 2012 Olympics were another early memory, when they would have been eight and nine years of age. They recall meeting Team GB heptathlete Katarina Johnson-Thompson and racing outside the London Stadium.
Both Shea and Pierce have played at the London Stadium this season. The London Stadium is now the home of West Ham United. When Queens Park Rangers visited West Ham United in October, Pierce saved Jarrod Bowen's last-gasp penalty to deny West Ham three points and was named man of the match. The trophy from that game is displayed in the brothers' home.
Shea said: “It looks so much different from what I remember.” Pierce said: “And then we're playing in it 14 years later.”
Northern Ireland preparations
Shea and Pierce are in a Northern Ireland squad managed by Michael O'Neill. Michael O'Neill's side currently top Group B2 in the Nations League after four matches and have yet to concede a goal.
The campaign started in Georgia in September, where both brothers played. In Northern Ireland's win, Pierce saved a penalty from Paris Saint-Germain player Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and made another intervention to deny Georges Mikautadze, while Shea scored a late winner nine minutes into additional time. Pierce said: “I think that's what started the good run.”
Northern Ireland are due to host Ukraine in Belfast on Saturday and finish their Nations League campaign in Hungary on 17 November. Pierce said: “Two wins would be the dream and it would set us up nicely for the next few years.” He added: “The next few games will be tough but we can't wait.”
On being together in camp, Shea said: “It feels like I can't get away from you when we're on camp, but at least it's not shared rooms.” Pierce said: “We're just joined at the hip.” He added: “We're always together but we're not always together, if you know what I mean.”
