Last Updated on September 16, 2026 by Filepe
Niko Tsakiris comes from a family with strong connections to American soccer. The San Jose Earthquakes midfielder is the son of former professional player and coach Shaun Tsakiris, while his younger siblings, Mateo and Kai, have also pursued competitive soccer careers.
Unlike many young athletes, Niko has publicly discussed the importance of his family and the support they have provided throughout his development. However, he remains private about his romantic life.
Who are Niko Tsakiris’ parents?
Niko Tsakiris’ parents are Shaun and Nyssa Tsakiris. Their names were confirmed by Los Gatos United when the club published a photograph of the entire family following Niko’s signing with the San Jose Earthquakes.
Shaun and Nyssa have three children: Niko, Mateo and Kai. All three developed into highly rated soccer players, making the Tsakiris family one of the emerging soccer families in the United States.
Who is Niko Tsakiris’ father, Shaun Tsakiris?
Niko’s father, Shaun Tsakiris, is a former professional soccer player and an experienced youth coach. Born in San Jose, California, Shaun played college soccer for UCLA between 1997 and 2000.
He became a team captain and earned Second-Team All-America recognition during his senior year. The New England Revolution selected him in the 2001 MLS SuperDraft, and he later played professionally for the Rochester Rhinos in the USL A-League.
Shaun also represented the United States at the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship. Twenty-four years later, Niko represented the United States at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, creating a notable father-and-son connection.
After his playing career, Shaun moved into coaching and player development. He worked with De Anza Force, served as head coach of the United States Under-16 national team and became an assistant coach with the U.S. Under-20 team. He has also worked as a director at Los Gatos United.
Niko has explained that his father introduced soccer to the family without forcing his children to become players. Shaun helped Niko train during his early years and provided professional knowledge as his son progressed from recreational soccer to an MLS academy.
Who is Niko Tsakiris’ mother, Nyssa Tsakiris?
Niko Tsakiris’ mother is Nyssa Tsakiris. Although her name has appeared in official family photographs and interviews, she has maintained a much more private public profile than her husband and children.
Reliable sources do not provide detailed information about Nyssa’s profession or personal background. She has nevertheless been described as an important figure in the family’s journey and was present when Niko signed his first professional contract.
In an interview with GOAL, Niko spoke about what both of his parents experienced before and around the time of his birth. He explained that their experiences gave the entire family a strong appreciation for life and taught him that opportunities should not be taken for granted.
Who are Niko Tsakiris’ siblings?
Niko Tsakiris has two younger siblings: a brother named Mateo and a sister named Kai. Both are competitive soccer players who followed the sporting path established by their father and older brother.
Mateo Tsakiris
Mateo Tsakiris is Niko’s younger brother. Like Niko, he developed at Los Gatos United and continued his soccer career at a high level.
Mateo joined Clemson University’s men’s soccer program. Clemson’s official biography identifies him as the son of Shaun Tsakiris and the brother of San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Niko Tsakiris.
While Niko became a professional as a teenager, Mateo chose the college soccer route. His development means that the family now has members involved in both Major League Soccer and NCAA Division I soccer.
Kai Tsakiris
Kai Alexandra Tsakiris is Niko’s younger sister. She developed with Los Gatos United and Slammers FC HB Køge before beginning her Division I college career with the Florida Gators in 2025.
Kai made an immediate impact during her freshman season, scoring four goals in 18 appearances and earning Third-Team All-SEC and SEC All-Freshman recognition. She subsequently transferred to the University of Tennessee for the 2026 season.
She has also represented the United States at Under-20 level. Her progress means that both Niko and Kai have worn the U.S. jersey in youth international soccer.
The influence of soccer on the Tsakiris family
Soccer has been central to the Tsakiris household. Shaun played professionally and later became a coach, while other relatives also competed in the sport. Niko, Mateo and Kai were therefore exposed to training, matches and coaching discussions from an early age.
However, Niko has said that he initially played recreational soccer rather than being treated as an elite prospect. He entered more competitive environments at approximately ten years old and spent time at IMG Academy in Florida before joining the San Jose Earthquakes Academy.
The siblings have followed different development paths, but Niko has described them as sharing the same confidence, commitment and appreciation for their opportunities.
Who is Niko Tsakiris’ girlfriend?
As of now, Niko Tsakiris has not publicly confirmed having a girlfriend. Searches of official biographies, interviews, reputable news coverage and his publicly visible social-media profiles did not produce a verified romantic partner.
His Instagram and X accounts concentrate mainly on soccer, the San Jose Earthquakes, the United States youth teams and messages thanking his family and supporters. Photographs or social-media interactions alone should not be used to identify someone as his girlfriend without confirmation from Niko or a reliable publication.
Is Niko Tsakiris married?
There is no credible evidence that Niko Tsakiris is married. No wife, engagement or wedding has been announced publicly.
Does Niko Tsakiris have children?
As of now, there are no reliable reports indicating that Niko Tsakiris has children. His official club profiles, interviews and public social-media accounts do not mention him being a father.
Niko Tsakiris’ heritage
Niko’s full name is Nikolas Diego Tsakiris. He was born in Saratoga, California, on June 19, 2005, and has Greek and Portuguese ancestry.
His family’s Bay Area connections helped make his rise with the San Jose Earthquakes especially meaningful. He joined the club’s academy in 2017 and signed a Homegrown contract in January 2022, becoming one of the youngest players signed by the organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Niko Tsakiris’ parents?
Niko’s parents are former professional soccer player and coach Shaun Tsakiris and Nyssa Tsakiris.
What does Niko Tsakiris’ father do?
Shaun Tsakiris is a former professional midfielder who became a youth soccer coach and technical director. He has worked with United States youth national teams and Los Gatos United.
Does Niko Tsakiris have a brother?
Yes. His younger brother, Mateo Tsakiris, plays Division I college soccer for Clemson University.
Does Niko Tsakiris have a sister?
Yes. His younger sister, Kai Tsakiris, is a college soccer player and United States youth international.
Who is Niko Tsakiris’ girlfriend?
Niko has not publicly confirmed a girlfriend, so his current relationship status remains private.
Is Niko Tsakiris married?
No marriage has been publicly reported or confirmed.
Does Niko Tsakiris have children?
There is no verified information indicating that he has children.
Filepe Junior is a football writer tracking La Liga transfers, covering major signings, squad planning, and player movements across Spanish clubs.
