“I’m homosexual” – Czech Republic footballer, Jakub Jankto, comes out as gay

Information reaching Kossyderrickent has it that Czech Republic footballer, Jakub Jankto, comes out as gay.

The Sparta Prague midfielder, 27, on loan from Spanish side Getafe, made the announcement on Twitter on Monday.

Jankto made his senior debut for the Czech Republic in 2017 and has scored four goals in 45 appearances.

“Like everybody else, I have my strengths, I have my weaknesses, I have a family, I have my friends,” he said.

Justin Fashanu came out in 1990. Josh Cavallo, at Adelaide United, came out in October 2021 and Jake Daniels did so at English side Blackpool in May 2022.

Jankto, a 27-year-old winger on loan at Czech top-flight side Sparta Prague from Getafe, became the first player attached to a club in La Liga to come out.

The top football bodies also threw their support behind Jankto, just like several football clubs.

“We’re all with you, Jakub. Football is for everyone,” tweeted FIFA.

“Well done, Jakub. You’re a true inspiration, and European football is with you!” said UEFA.

“Proud of you, Jakub!” tweeted La Liga leaders Barcelona.

Jankto, who has also played for Udinese and Sampdoria in Serie A, has played 45 games and scored four goals for the Czech national team.

He has a three-year-old son, David, with his ex-girlfriend with whom he broke up in 2021. “I have a job that I have been doing as best as I can for years with seriousness, with professionalism and passion.”

He added: “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.”

Last year, Blackpool’s Jake Daniels became the first professional player in the UK men’s game for more than 30 years to come out while still playing.

Prior to Daniels, Justin Fashanu was the last active men’s professional footballer in the UK to come out during his playing career, featuring for clubs in England and Scotland after announcing in October 1990 that he was gay.

Before Jankto publicly came out, Adelaide United player Josh Cavallo was the only current openly gay top-flight male professional footballer in the world, having come out last October.