Last Updated on October 2, 2026 by Miguel Manjate
Anthony Markanich’s family has been an important part of the Minnesota United defender’s journey from Bourbonnais, Illinois, to professional soccer. Born on December 26, 1999, Markanich developed alongside his twin brother, Nick Markanich, before the two played together at Northern Illinois University and eventually became professional footballers.
Anthony has spoken publicly about the sacrifices his parents made to support his soccer career, while official Philippine government documents also reveal an important part of his family heritage: his mother was born and raised in Cavite, Philippines. In his personal life, Markanich reached another major milestone in 2026 when he married his longtime girlfriend. However, he has kept his wife’s identity largely outside the public spotlight, and there is currently no reliable public confirmation that the couple have children.
Who Are Anthony Markanich’s Parents?
Anthony Markanich was raised by parents who played a significant role in helping both Anthony and his twin brother, Nick, pursue competitive soccer.
The names of Anthony Markanich’s mother and father have not been clearly published by Minnesota United, Northern Illinois University or other reliable primary sports sources. Because of that, attaching names to his parents based only on unverified biography websites would be unreliable.
What is well documented is their influence. When Anthony was selected by the Colorado Rapids in the first round of the 2022 MLS SuperDraft, he specifically mentioned how meaningful it was to have his parents present for the occasion.
Anthony Markanich’s Father
Anthony Markanich’s father has maintained a private life and has not been identified by name in reliable public profiles reviewed for this article.
However, accounts from the Markanich twins’ college years show that their father and mother were heavily involved in supporting their development. Their parents regularly drove the brothers long distances to practices, sometimes around an hour each way, while balancing work and the financial demands associated with elite youth soccer.
The sacrifices made by their parents helped Anthony and Nick progress from youth soccer in Illinois to Northern Illinois University and eventually professional careers.
Anthony Markanich’s Mother
Anthony Markanich’s mother has also largely remained outside the public spotlight, and reliable sports sources do not publicly identify her by name.
However, her background has been officially documented. A 2026 bill filed in the Senate of the Philippines concerning Anthony states that his Filipino roots come through his mother, who was born and raised in Cavite, Philippines.
This connection explains Anthony’s Filipino heritage and the interest in making him eligible to represent the Philippines internationally.
The same Filipino family connection also applies to his twin brother Nick, who has likewise been publicly linked with Philippine football.
Anthony Markanich’s Filipino Family Background
Anthony Markanich was born and raised in Bourbonnais, Illinois, but part of his family heritage comes from the Philippines.
Official Philippine Senate documents state that his mother was born and raised in Cavite. In January 2026, legislation was introduced seeking to grant Anthony Philippine citizenship, specifically highlighting his Filipino ancestry and his potential value to the Philippine national football team.
The family connection is especially notable because Anthony’s twin brother, Nick Markanich, has also been the subject of Philippine citizenship legislation.
Although Anthony grew up in the United States, his maternal Filipino roots have therefore become an increasingly visible part of his public story.
Who Is Anthony Markanich’s Brother?
Anthony Markanich has a twin brother named Nicholas “Nick” Markanich. Nick is also a professional soccer player, making the Markanich twins one of the more unusual sibling stories in American professional soccer.
Anthony Markanich’s Twin Brother – Nick Markanich
Nick Markanich was born on the same day as Anthony, December 26, 1999, in Bourbonnais, Illinois.
The brothers grew up playing soccer together and eventually attended Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High School. They later chose to remain together when entering college, joining the Northern Illinois University men’s soccer program.
Their positions were different. Anthony developed primarily as a defender, while Nick became an attacking player and prolific goalscorer.
Nick has described Anthony as his best friend. Although the twins were competitive with one another while growing up, Nick said that competition ultimately helped make both of them better players.
Anthony and Nick Markanich Played College Soccer Together
The Markanich brothers spent four seasons together at Northern Illinois University, becoming important players for the Huskies.
Their connection produced memorable moments on the field. In October 2021, Anthony assisted Nick for the winning goal against Akron as Northern Illinois secured the Mid-American Conference regular-season championship.
The brothers then experienced another major career milestone together during the 2022 MLS SuperDraft.
Anthony was selected 26th overall by the Colorado Rapids, becoming a first-round pick. Only four selections later, FC Cincinnati drafted Nick with the 30th overall pick.
Anthony said afterward that having his parents, coaches and friends present made the occasion particularly special.
Is Nick Markanich Also a Professional Soccer Player?
Yes. Nick Markanich followed Anthony into professional soccer after being selected by FC Cincinnati in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft.
Nick later enjoyed a breakout spell with Charleston Battery. His performances earned him the 2024 USL Championship Golden Boot and Player of the Year award after a record-setting scoring season.
His career subsequently took him to Spanish club CD Castellón, and in 2026 he returned to Major League Soccer on loan with Houston Dynamo.
Anthony and Nick therefore progressed from sharing a childhood home and college team to competing professionally at a high level.
Is Anthony Markanich Married?
Yes. Anthony Markanich is married.
Minnesota United confirmed in 2026 that Markanich married his longtime girlfriend during Major League Soccer’s summer break around the FIFA World Cup.
The wedding came during an especially memorable period for the defender. Shortly after getting married, Markanich learned that he had been selected to the 2026 MLS All-Star roster.
Anthony described the combination of getting married and becoming an MLS All-Star as one of the best breaks he had experienced.
Who Is Anthony Markanich’s Wife?
Anthony Markanich has not widely publicized his wife’s identity.
Minnesota United’s official coverage confirms that he married his longtime girlfriend in 2026 but does not name her. Reliable mainstream soccer sources reviewed for this article likewise do not provide enough information to confidently identify Anthony Markanich’s wife.
For that reason, it is better to describe her as Markanich’s longtime partner and now wife rather than attach an unverified name to her.
Who Was Anthony Markanich’s Girlfriend?
Before their marriage, Anthony Markanich had been in a long-term relationship with the woman who became his wife in 2026.
However, Markanich generally kept the relationship private and did not make his girlfriend a major part of his public soccer profile.
Minnesota United referred to her simply as his longtime girlfriend when reporting his marriage. Her name and other personal details have not been reliably established through the club’s official reporting.
Does Anthony Markanich Have Children?
There is currently no reliable public confirmation that Anthony Markanich has children.
Minnesota United’s reporting about his 2026 marriage does not mention a son or daughter, and established public profiles do not identify the defender as a father.
Unless Markanich chooses to share additional information about his family in the future, claims that he has children should therefore be treated as unconfirmed.
Does Anthony Markanich Have Other Siblings?
Nick Markanich is Anthony Markanich’s only sibling who is consistently identified in reliable public sports sources.
There is currently no strong public evidence identifying additional brothers or sisters. Consequently, Nick should be considered the only publicly documented sibling unless further information is confirmed by the family or another reliable source.
How Anthony Markanich’s Parents Supported His Soccer Career
The Markanich family made substantial commitments to help Anthony and Nick develop as soccer players.
In a Northern Illinois University alumni profile, Nick recalled that their parents regularly drove the twins to practices that could require around an hour of travel each way. He explained that they would work during the day and then take the brothers to training without complaining.
Nick also acknowledged that the financial demands were significant for the family but said their parents continued finding ways to support their sons.
That commitment eventually paid off. Both brothers earned opportunities at Northern Illinois University and were selected in the same MLS SuperDraft in 2022.
Anthony Markanich’s Family and His Rise to Minnesota United
Anthony Markanich began his MLS career after the Colorado Rapids selected him with the 26th overall pick in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft.
He later joined St. Louis CITY SC before Minnesota United acquired him in August 2024.
Markanich became increasingly important in Minnesota and eventually signed a new contract running through 2028, with a club option for 2029.
His performances reached another level during the 2025 and 2026 seasons. In 2026, he was voted into the MLS All-Star roster after becoming one of the league’s most productive defenders.
The achievement arrived shortly after another important moment away from soccer: his marriage.
Who Is in Anthony Markanich’s Family?
Anthony Markanich comes from a close family that supported both him and his twin brother throughout their soccer development. Although the names of his parents have not been widely confirmed publicly, his mother is known to have been born and raised in Cavite, Philippines.
His best-known family member is his twin brother, Nick Markanich, who is also a professional soccer player. Anthony is also now a married man after tying the knot with his longtime girlfriend in 2026.
As of now, Anthony Markanich and his wife have no publicly confirmed children. Much of his immediate family continues to maintain a private life despite his growing profile with Minnesota United.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anthony Markanich’s Family
Who are Anthony Markanich’s parents?
Anthony Markanich has publicly thanked and acknowledged his parents for supporting his soccer career, but reliable primary sports sources do not widely publish their names. His mother is confirmed to have been born and raised in Cavite, Philippines.
Who is Anthony Markanich’s mother?
Anthony Markanich’s mother is Filipino and was born and raised in Cavite, according to official Philippine Senate documents. Her full name has not been reliably published in the primary sources reviewed.
Who is Anthony Markanich’s father?
Anthony Markanich’s father has kept a private profile, and his name has not been clearly confirmed by reliable club or university sources.
Is Anthony Markanich Filipino?
Anthony Markanich has Filipino heritage through his mother, who was born and raised in Cavite. Philippine lawmakers introduced legislation in 2026 concerning his Philippine citizenship.
Does Anthony Markanich have a twin brother?
Yes. Anthony Markanich’s twin brother is professional soccer player Nick Markanich. The brothers were born on December 26, 1999, and played together at Northern Illinois University.
Who is Nick Markanich?
Nick Markanich is Anthony Markanich’s twin brother and a professional soccer forward. He was selected by FC Cincinnati in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft and later became the 2024 USL Championship Player of the Year and Golden Boot winner.
Is Anthony Markanich married?
Yes. Minnesota United confirmed that Anthony Markanich married his longtime girlfriend during the 2026 MLS summer break.
Who is Anthony Markanich’s wife?
Anthony Markanich has kept his wife’s identity relatively private. Minnesota United confirmed their marriage but did not name her in its official report.
Does Anthony Markanich have children?
There is currently no reliable public confirmation that Anthony Markanich has children.
Where is Anthony Markanich from?
Anthony Markanich was born in Bourbonnais, Illinois, on December 26, 1999.
What team does Anthony Markanich play for?
Anthony Markanich plays as a defender for Minnesota United FC in Major League Soccer. His current contract runs through 2028, with a club option for 2029.
Miguel Manjate is a football journalist and editor covering the Premier League, European competitions, and transfer news, with a strong focus on match analysis and data-driven reporting.
