Last Updated on September 14, 2026 by Wilson
Malachi Jones comes from a large, close-knit family whose story connects Sierra Leone and Tennessee. Born in Freetown, Jones moved to the United States in 2013 after Mike and Hayley Jones adopted him together with his seven biological siblings. He subsequently grew up in a household containing 12 children.
As of now, Malachi is married to former Lipscomb University volleyball player Delaney Smith, now known as Delaney Jones. The couple have not publicly announced any children.
Who Is Malachi Jones’s Wife?
Malachi Jones’s wife is Delaney Smith Jones. Malachi and Delaney reportedly met while studying at Lipscomb University. Malachi represented the university’s men’s soccer team, while Delaney was a libero for the Lipscomb Bisons volleyball team.
The couple announced their engagement in June 2024. They married in May 2025, with Lipscomb Volleyball and New York City FC publicly congratulating Malachi and Delaney following their wedding.
Delaney enjoyed a successful college volleyball career. She established herself as an important defensive player and became the ASUN Conference’s career record holder for service aces during her time at Lipscomb.
Does Malachi Jones Have Children?
There are no publicly confirmed reports that Malachi Jones and Delaney have children. The couple generally keep the more personal parts of their marriage away from extensive media coverage.
Who Are Malachi Jones’s Parents?
Malachi Jones’s adoptive parents are Mike Jones, also identified as Michael Jones in Malachi’s college biography, and Hayley Jones.
Mike and Hayley lived in Thompson’s Station, Tennessee. They learned about a group of eight biological siblings from Sierra Leone who needed a permanent home and decided that keeping the children together was important. After an adoption process lasting approximately three years, Malachi and his seven siblings arrived in Tennessee in March 2013.
Before the adoption, Mike and Hayley already had two sons. They later welcomed another son, producing a household of 12 children sometimes referred to by the family as the “Jones Dozen.”
Hayley has worked as a kindergarten teacher. Public family interviews portray both parents as strongly committed to creating a supportive environment in which all the siblings could grow up together.
What Is Known About Malachi Jones’s Biological Parents?
The names of Malachi Jones’s biological parents have not been disclosed in reliable public profiles. Available accounts explain that difficult family circumstances resulted in Malachi and his siblings living in an orphanage in Sierra Leone before their adoption.
Because his biological family has remained outside public life, additional claims about them should be treated carefully. What has been clearly documented is that Malachi was adopted alongside seven biological siblings, allowing the group to remain together.
How Many Siblings Does Malachi Jones Have?
Malachi’s official Lipscomb University biography lists nine brothers and one sister. His brothers are Michael, Samuel, Levi, Tyler, Judah, Isaiah, Zion, Tucker and Tobi. His sister is named Gabby.
Seven of those siblings were part of the biological sibling group adopted from Sierra Leone with Malachi. The others are the biological children of Mike and Hayley Jones. This made Malachi one of 11 children raised by the couple.
Which of Malachi Jones’s Siblings Play Soccer?
Soccer became an important activity throughout the Jones household. The siblings regularly played together after moving to Tennessee, with eldest brother Michael helping to organize drills and encourage the younger players.
Levi Jones played alongside Malachi at Lipscomb University. The brothers joined the Bisons as members of the same recruiting class.
Michael Jones and Judah Jones played college soccer at Trevecca Nazarene University. Isaiah Jones, Malachi’s younger brother, developed through the Nashville SC academy and signed a professional contract.
The family’s sporting talent also extends beyond men’s soccer. Malachi’s sister, Gabby Jones, played college soccer at Cumberland University.
How Did Malachi Jones’s Family Influence His Career?
Growing up with numerous brothers and a sister provided Malachi with constant competition and encouragement. Backyard matches helped several members of the family develop their soccer abilities, while their shared experience of moving from Sierra Leone strengthened their relationship.
That family environment accompanied Malachi through youth soccer in Tennessee, his successful college career at Lipscomb and his selection by New York City FC with the eighth overall pick in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Malachi Jones married?
Yes. Malachi Jones married former Lipscomb volleyball player Delaney Smith in May 2025. She is now publicly known as Delaney Jones.
Does Malachi Jones have a girlfriend?
Malachi is no longer publicly described as having a girlfriend. Delaney Smith, his longtime partner and former fiancée, is now his wife.
Does Malachi Jones have any children?
No children have been publicly confirmed for Malachi and Delaney Jones as of now.
Who are Malachi Jones’s parents?
His adoptive parents are Mike and Hayley Jones. The names of his biological parents have not been publicly disclosed.
How many siblings does Malachi Jones have?
His Lipscomb biography lists ten siblings: nine brothers and one sister. Malachi was adopted from Sierra Leone together with seven of his biological siblings.
Is Isaiah Jones related to Malachi Jones?
Yes. Professional footballer Isaiah Jones is Malachi’s younger biological brother. They were adopted together and grew up in Tennessee.
Does Malachi Jones have a brother who played at Lipscomb?
Yes. His brother Levi Jones joined the Lipscomb men’s soccer program with him.
Wilson Gaspar is a football analyst covering the UEFA Champions League, focusing on match previews, tactical reviews, and the performance of Europe’s top clubs throughout the competition.
