JANKTO BECOMES MOST RECENT FOOTBALLER TO

Come Out

Getafe midfielder Jakub Jankto, who is on loan at Sparta Prague, has become the third active footballer to come out as gay, following Adelaide United defender Josh Cavallo and Blackpool striker Jake Daniels

Jankto, who plays for Sparta Prague on loan from Getafe, revealed his sexuality in a post on Twitter, saying: “I no longer want to hide myself.”

In a video on Twitter, Jankto said: “Hi, I’m Jakub Jankto. Like everybody else, I have my strengths, I have my weaknesses. I have a family, I have my friends. I have a job, which I have been doing as best as I can for years, with seriousness, professionalism, and passion.

“Like everybody else, I also want to live my life in freedom, without fears, without prejudice, without violence, but with love. I’m homosexual and I no longer want to hide myself.”

Jankto follows in the footsteps of Australian Josh Cavallo, who came out publicly in 2021, and Jake Daniels of Blackpool, who is the only current British male player to reveal he is gay.

Messages of support quickly followed Jankto’s post, with The Premier League replying to Jankto’s tweet, saying: “We’re with you, Jakub. Football is for everyone.”

The Professional Footballers’ Association added: “Well said, Jakub. We’re all with you!”, while players’ organisation FIFPRO said: “Live your life, Jakub. Proud.”

Jankto is the first player to play in Europe’s top 5 leagues to come out as gay. It can be seen as a landmark moment, with this hopefully encouraging more players and people to be open about their sexuality, whilst reducing homophobic language and attitudes within our society.