Who are Jess Carter’s parents? What we know as British football player speaks out against online racist comments

The England and Chelsea football star Jess Carter has hit the headlines for her stellar displays on the field and for her stance against the increasing levels of online racist abuse attacking players.

As Carter and her teammates demand deeper intervention from football's governing bodies and social media companies, the spotlight has fallen on not just her but her family, namely her parents, who have played a vocal role in her career.

Jess Carter was born in England to an English mother and an African-American father, givnig her both British and American citizenship.

The best weekend celebrating with my people

Now to rest and reset🧡 pic.twitter.com/0VbUa7PJOh

— Jess Carter (@_JessCarter) May 30, 2023

Carter's dad Chris Carter publicly expressed how proud he was of his daughter after her impressive debut at 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. He took to Facebook after England lost 1-0 to Spain in the final, where Chris wrote emotional words about Jess’s time on the pitch.

"One proud family, one proud pops. You did yourself and your country proud. Hold your head high and keep smiling," he wrote on Facebook according to war Wickshireworld.

Her family has played a significant role in her career and personal development. Whereas Chris Carter has shared updates and proud moments on social media from time to time, Jess’s mom has been more private and less is known about her.

A look into Jess Carter’s career and fight against racism

Jess Carter was brought up in Leamington Spa. Her football career started at Warwick Juniors, from where she rose through youth football to turn professional with Birmingham City at the age of 16 (Warwickshireworld).

She switched to Chelsea in 2018 and has established a place in the team, as well as being called up to the England national team, for whom she has won 24 caps or more.

More recently, Jess Carter hit the headlines for speaking out over the impact of online racial abuse against her and her colleagues. Carter announced in a statement that she would be taking a break from social media in order to safeguard her mental health.

The Lionesses have released a statement of support for Jess Carter who has received online racial abuse during Euro 2025.



The statement also confirms that England won't take the knee before Tuesday's semi-final against Italy, calling for another way to tackle racism. pic.twitter.com/G30mqrYZu0

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 20, 2025

The decision was announced as the England women’s team discussed what their stance should be on making symbolic gestures, including taking the knee before matches.

The team which is captained by senior players including Lucy Bronze eventually opted against taking the knee in their Euro 2025 semi-final against Italy, alleging that stronger, more lasting action is required from football authorities and tech companies. Addressing the team’s increasing frustration at continued racism in football in a news conference, Bronze said:

"I think it was just the fact that we feel as a collective, is the message as strong as it used to be? Is the message really hitting hard? Because to us it feels like it's not if these things are still happening to our players in the biggest tournaments of their lives."

The squad, including Jess Carter, has also supported calls for more stringent moderation on platforms such as X and Instagram, where much of the abuse has taken place.