Max Johnston comes from a Scottish football family whose influence can be seen throughout his career. The Derby County right-back is the son of former Scotland international Allan Johnston and the nephew of former professional footballer Sammy Johnston. However, Max has revealed very little publicly about his relationship status, children or possible siblings.
Born in Middlesbrough, England, on 26 December 2003, Max represents Scotland internationally. He developed at Motherwell before playing for Queen of the South, Cove Rangers and Austrian club Sturm Graz. In August 2025, he joined Derby County on a four-year contract, as confirmed by his official Derby County profile.
Who Is Max Johnston’s Girlfriend?
Max Johnston has not publicly confirmed the identity of a girlfriend or partner. There is also no reliable report confirming that the Scottish defender is married.
Johnston occasionally uses social media to share football-related photographs and career achievements, but he generally keeps his romantic life private. Consequently, any unsupported claims about Max Johnston’s girlfriend should be treated cautiously unless the player confirms the relationship himself.
Does Max Johnston Have Children?
There is no credible public information confirming that Max Johnston has any children. The available interviews and official profiles about the defender focus primarily on his development at Motherwell, his successful period in Austria and his Scotland international career.
Unless Johnston decides to discuss this part of his life publicly, it is more accurate to state that no children have been confirmed rather than assume that he does or does not have them.
Who Are Max Johnston’s Parents?
Max Johnston’s father is Allan Johnston, a former professional footballer and manager. Allan represented Scotland 18 times and played for clubs including Heart of Midlothian, Rennes, Sunderland, Rangers, Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday, Kilmarnock and St Mirren.
The father and son were professionally reunited when Max joined Queen of the South on loan from Motherwell during the 2021/22 season. Allan was managing the Dumfries club at the time. Max even scored for the team under his father, a family connection documented by The Guardian.
Although working under a parent could have created additional pressure, the experience gave Max regular senior football early in his career. Motherwell’s academy-graduates profile explains that the loan helped him develop and establish himself as an attacking right-back.
What Influence Has Allan Johnston Had on His Son?
Allan Johnston has remained closely involved in Max’s football development. Max has explained that his father helped analyse his performances during his academy years and continued offering advice after he became an established professional.
The younger Johnston has nevertheless built an independent career. He left Scottish football for Sturm Graz in 2023 and became an Austrian Bundesliga and Austrian Cup winner. That success allowed him to experience European competition before returning to British football with Derby County.
Who Is Max Johnston’s Mother?
The name of Max Johnston’s mother has not been disclosed in reliable public sources. Max has, however, acknowledged the support he received from both parents during his development.
Motherwell also reported that his parents were present when he scored for Scotland’s under-21 team against Iceland at Fir Park in November 2022. The club’s account of the match confirms that Johnston celebrated the important career moment in front of his parents and friends.
Although his mother has stayed outside the spotlight, Max has described her as consistently supportive. Her name, occupation and personal background remain private.
Does Max Johnston Have Any Siblings?
No reliable publication or official club profile has confirmed whether Max Johnston has any brothers or sisters. Searches may produce unverified social-media comments suggesting possible siblings, but these should not be treated as factual evidence.
Until Johnston or his family publicly confirms otherwise, the number and identities of his siblings remain unknown.
How Is Sammy Johnston Related to Max Johnston?
Former professional footballer Sammy Johnston was Max Johnston’s uncle and the older brother of Allan Johnston. Sammy played as a winger for clubs including St Johnstone, Partick Thistle, Ayr United, Glenavon and Coleraine.
The connection means Max belongs to a family with multiple generations of experience in professional football. His father reached international level with Scotland, while his uncle enjoyed a long senior career in Scottish and Northern Irish football.
Max Johnston’s Family and Football Background
Max Johnston joined Motherwell at approximately 12 years old and progressed through the club’s academy. His family’s football knowledge gave him access to valuable guidance, but his achievements have been earned through his own development and willingness to move abroad.
After loan spells with Queen of the South and Cove Rangers, Johnston broke into Motherwell’s first team and earned the Scottish Football Writers’ Association Young Player of the Year award for the 2022/23 season. His performances led to a transfer to Sturm Graz, where he won major domestic honours before joining Derby County.
Frequently Asked Questions About Max Johnston’s Family
Who is Max Johnston’s father?
Max Johnston’s father is Allan Johnston, a former Scotland international footballer who later became a professional manager.
Who is Max Johnston’s mother?
Max Johnston has spoken positively about his mother’s support, but her name and personal background have not been disclosed publicly.
Does Max Johnston have a girlfriend?
Max Johnston has not publicly confirmed a girlfriend or partner. There is no reliable evidence that he is currently married.
Does Max Johnston have children?
No credible public source confirms that Max Johnston has children.
Does Max Johnston have brothers or sisters?
There is no verified public information about Max Johnston’s siblings.
Is Allan Johnston related to Max Johnston?
Yes. Former Scotland international Allan Johnston is Max Johnston’s father. Allan also managed his son during Max’s loan spell at Queen of the South.
Was Sammy Johnston related to Max Johnston?
Yes. Former St Johnstone and Partick Thistle winger Sammy Johnston was Max’s uncle and Allan Johnston’s older brother.
Where was Max Johnston born?
Max Johnston was born in Middlesbrough, England, on 26 December 2003. He represents Scotland internationally through his Scottish family background.

Gabriel Lucio is a football analyst covering La Liga, focusing on match analysis, tactical trends, and the race for domestic and European positions.
