“I no longer want to hide myself,” Star Czech Republic footballer Jakub Jankto comes out as gay
The former Sampdoria man became the first man to come out in 2023
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Czech midfielder Jakub Jankto has come out as gay on Monday with an emotional message. The 27-year-old posted a video on Twitter about his orientation which received widespread support and encouragement. Jankto became the 21st male footballer who has announced their sexuality publicly.
In the video, Jacub was seen delivering a heartfelt message in a sombre setting. Jankto started with “Hi, I’m Jakub Jankto. Like everybody else, I have my strengths, I have my weaknesses; I have a family, I have my friends.”
He went on saying, “I have a job, which I have been doing it 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.” The message ended with, “I am homosexual, and I no longer want to hide myself.”
The Reception
Jankto’s parent club, Sparta Prague took no time to come forward with words of support for the midfielder. The club statement read, “Jakub Jankto spoke openly about his sexual orientation with the club’s management, coach and team-mates some time ago.” The Czech side also added in a rather assertive manner, “Everything else concerns his personal life. No further comments. No more questions. You have our support. Live your life, Jacob. Nothing else matters.”
Getafe, the La Liga side Jankto plays for on loan, also emphasised him being their “footballer”, wholeheartedly accepting his sexuality. “Our utmost respect and unconditional support to our footballer Jakub Jankto,” commented the Spanish side.
Premier League also chimed in with similar words of support, sending a message of inclusivity, “We’re with you, Jakub. Football is for everyone.” FIFA also commented, “We’re all with you, Jakub. Football is for everyone.” The entire comment section of the tweet is filled with positive messages from myriads of clubs from around the world.
The History
Jankto is one of the highest-profile current footballers in the men’s game to come out as gay after Josh Cavallo in 2021 and Jake Daniels in 2022. Since 2010, 17 male footballers have come out with 8 of them being from 2020.
English player Justin Fashanu was the first player who came out officially back in 1990. However, the former Nottingham Forrest and Norwich City man was found dead in his apartment in England under investigation for sexual assault. Fashanu was 37 at the time of his death and homosexuality was largely illegal. The continuous struggle against homophobia in recent years has made certain announcements a completely different experience as seen in the case of Jankto.
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