John McCarthy’s Family: Wife, Children, Parents and Siblings

Last Updated on September 14, 2026 by Mike

John McCarthy comes from a football-loving family with strong connections to Philadelphia and La Salle University. The American goalkeeper is married to Rachel Meaders and has two children. His father, also named John McCarthy, was a successful college footballer, while his younger brother, Pat McCarthy, followed the family tradition by playing for La Salle.

Born on July 4, 1992, John Joseph McCarthy III grew up in the Philadelphia area before his family moved to Cinnaminson, New Jersey. He later became an established Major League Soccer goalkeeper, representing clubs including Philadelphia Union, Inter Miami, Los Angeles FC, LA Galaxy and Red Bull New York.

Who Is John McCarthy’s Wife?

John McCarthy’s wife is Rachel Meaders. Although Rachel has occasionally appeared in her husband’s social-media posts, she generally maintains a private life and does not seek extensive attention from the football media.

The couple were already married when McCarthy joined Inter Miami. In a 2021 interview with CBS Miami, the goalkeeper explained that his wife supported his decision to leave Philadelphia and continue pursuing a starting opportunity elsewhere.

McCarthy described leaving his hometown, relatives and friends as a difficult decision. However, Rachel accompanied him, and they agreed that moving away was an opportunity for him to prove himself professionally.

The goalkeeper has since publicly identified Rachel as his wife. Their family has accompanied him during a career that has required moves between Pennsylvania, Florida, California and New York.

How Many Children Does John McCarthy Have?

John McCarthy and Rachel have two children: a son and a daughter. The couple have protected their children’s privacy, and reliable football sources do not consistently publish their names.

Their son was born in 2022. A report about McCarthy’s connection to Philadelphia noted that he had shared a photograph of his newborn son wrapped in a Wawa-themed blanket, reflecting the goalkeeper’s attachment to his hometown.

The couple welcomed their daughter shortly before the 2024 MLS Cup final. Speaking to the LA Galaxy’s official website, McCarthy confirmed that his wife had recently given birth to a baby girl. He described the family as blessed by her arrival.

McCarthy went on to win the 2024 MLS Cup with the Galaxy, meaning the championship arrived during an especially memorable period for his growing family.

Who Are John McCarthy’s Parents?

John McCarthy’s parents are John McCarthy Jr. and Liz Anne McCarthy. His family has deep roots in the Philadelphia area, where the future professional goalkeeper spent much of his childhood.

According to a profile published by The Philadelphia Inquirer, his father attended Father Judge High School, while his mother attended St. Hubert Catholic High School for Girls.

His parents raised John in a hardworking family environment. Even after the family relocated to Cinnaminson, New Jersey, he continued travelling into Philadelphia to attend Northeast Catholic High School.

Who Is John McCarthy’s Father?

John McCarthy’s father, who shares his name, is a former La Salle University footballer. He was a standout player for the Explorers during the 1970s and belonged to the team that reached the 1978 NCAA Tournament.

Football became a tradition connecting the father and his two sons. John’s father, John himself and his younger brother Pat all represented La Salle, with each eventually serving as a team captain.

The elder John McCarthy also entered public service and served as mayor of Cinnaminson, New Jersey. When his son signed for Philadelphia Union in 2015, a local report identified the goalkeeper as the son of Cinnaminson’s mayor.

His playing history and knowledge of the sport provided John and Pat with an influential football figure at home. The goalkeeper has credited his blue-collar family background and the people around him with shaping his work ethic.

Who Is John McCarthy’s Mother?

John McCarthy’s mother is Liz Anne McCarthy. She attended St. Hubert Catholic High School in Philadelphia and helped raise her family in the city before their move to New Jersey.

Unlike her husband and sons, Liz Anne has not built a public career in football. Consequently, limited information about her professional and personal background is available.

John has nevertheless regularly spoken about the importance of his parents and family. After helping the Galaxy advance to the 2024 MLS Cup final, he explained that football results did not change the support waiting for him at home from his mother, father, wife and children.

Who Is John McCarthy’s Brother, Pat McCarthy?

John McCarthy has a younger brother named Pat McCarthy, who is also a footballer. Pat attended Cinnaminson High School before following his father and older brother to La Salle University.

Pat played primarily as a midfielder and forward for the La Salle Explorers. He earned Atlantic 10 All-Rookie recognition and later received All-Conference honours. Like his father and brother, Pat also became a La Salle team captain.

The university highlighted the family’s unusual football connection in an article titled “Inside The L: All in the Blood.” The feature explained that three members of the McCarthy family had played and captained the university’s men’s team.

John and Pat were later reunited in Florida when John played for Inter Miami. Pat trained within the club’s wider setup, giving the brothers an opportunity to share the field in a professional environment. John described the experience of training alongside his younger brother as particularly meaningful.

Football Runs Through the McCarthy Family

La Salle University occupies a special place in the McCarthy family’s story. John’s father played there during the 1970s, John developed into one of the most accomplished goalkeepers in the program’s history, and Pat continued the tradition as an attacking player.

The older brother finished his La Salle career with several important records, including marks for appearances, saves and clean sheets. His performances helped him earn a professional contract and begin a long journey through American football.

McCarthy’s family was present when he experienced one of the defining moments of his career in 2022. After entering the MLS Cup final as a late substitute, he made two saves in the penalty shootout, helped LAFC defeat Philadelphia Union and received the MLS Cup Most Valuable Player award.

Two years later, he became an MLS champion again with LA Galaxy. Those achievements reflected the persistence and family-supported work ethic that had shaped his career from an early age.

Frequently Asked Questions About John McCarthy’s Family

Is John McCarthy married?

Yes. John McCarthy is married to Rachel Meaders, who has supported him through several moves during his professional football career.

Who is John McCarthy’s wife?

His wife is Rachel Meaders. The couple keep much of their marriage and home life away from extensive media attention.

How many children does John McCarthy have?

John and Rachel have two children. They welcomed a son in 2022 and a daughter shortly before the 2024 MLS Cup final.

Who are John McCarthy’s parents?

His parents are John McCarthy Jr. and Liz Anne McCarthy. His father played football for La Salle University and later served as mayor of Cinnaminson.

Does John McCarthy have a brother?

Yes. His younger brother is former La Salle footballer Pat McCarthy, who played as a midfielder and forward.

Did John McCarthy’s father play football?

Yes. His father was a standout La Salle player and belonged to the Explorers team that participated in the 1978 NCAA Tournament.

Is John McCarthy related to the young fan Cameron McCarthy?

No. John developed a widely reported friendship with a young Philadelphia Union supporter named Cameron McCarthy, but MLS confirmed that the two are not related.