In another milestone for gay athletes, Getafe and Czech Republic midfielder Jakub Jankto - who is currently on loan at Sparta Prague - has become the first ever La Liga player to come out as gay.
In a video released on his twitter, Jankto is seen with a black background relaying a powerful statement on his sexuality:
I am Jakub Jankto and like everybody else I have my strengths and I have my weaknesses.
I have a family and I have my friends. 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.“I am homosexual and I no longer want to hide myself.
Following his announcement, there was widespread praise on social media for the 27-year-old.
Czech Republic Midfielder Jakub Jankto Has Come Out As Gay
We're with you, Jakub. Football is for everyone 🏳️🌈
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 13, 2023
Just caught the news about Jakub Jankto's coming out. So, so happy for him.
"Like everyone else, I want to live my life with freedom, without fear, without violence, without prejudice, but with love."
This. This right here. This is what matters. This is why it has to be said.🏳️🌈— Nicky Bandini (@NickyBandini) February 13, 2023
NEW 🚨⚽️ | Czech Republic international footballer Jakub Jankto has announced on twitter that he is gay.
Our full love and solidarity to Jakob.
Everyone must be able to bring their full self to work - without fear, without prejudice.— Trades Union Congress (@The_TUC) February 13, 2023
Jakub Jankto brave to come out as Gay,he shouldn’t have to be in this day and age but he is and hopefully that is a pathway for other Male players to come out and just have that freedom. It’s widely accepted in the Women’s game,a huge moment in Male football and a breakthrough.
— Josh Bunting (@Buntingfootball) February 13, 2023
After the Casillas and Puyol “joke” late last year, Jakub Jankto’s brave decision to come out feels even more impactful.
— Joe on LaLiga | Joseph Zebedee 🏳️🌈 (he/him) (@JosephZebedee_) February 13, 2023
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Sparta Prague also released a brief statement of their own, supporting the actions of their player.
"Jakub spoke openly about his sexual orientation with the club some time ago. Everything else concerns his personal life. No further comments. No more questions. You have our support. Live your life, Jacob. Nothing else matters."
Jankto's revelation comes after other professional footballers, including Adelaide United’s Josh Carvalho and Blackpool’s Jake Daniels, have come out.
In the wake of the tasteless 'joke' between Carlos Puyol and Iker Casillas - where both men pretended to be in a relationship before claiming they were hacked - it is another positive step forward for gay footballers and for football as a whole.
