Czech international soccer star Jakub Jankto comes out as gay in powerful video

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By Asiya Ali

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Czech Republic international soccer player Jakub Jankto has come out as gay in a brave video posted on his social media.

The 27-year-old soccer star plays as a midfielder for Sparta Prague and is currently on loan from Spanish side Getafe since August 2022.

He made his senior debut for his country in 2017 and has scored four goals in 45 appearances, including at the most recent European Championships.

On Monday (February 13), the La Liga player took to his Twitter account to share a courageous video of him publically coming out as gay.

Watch his video below: 

In the powerful footage, he 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 fear, without prejudice, without violence, but with love," he continued.

"I am homosexual, and I no longer want to hide myself."

Many people on the social media platform sent their support to the soccer superstar after seeing his video. One user penned: "Football is for everybody! No matter what race, gender, sexuality. Nobody should ever have to hide who they really are. Jakub, you’re an inspiration. Keep being you."

Another commented: "Thank you so much for your bravery and courage Jakub. I am sure that this will have a strong impact on others who also love football but in the closet, and on football as a [whole]. You are opening important doors and helping many. Today is a big day for football. You are a hero."

A third person wrote: "Looking forward to the day when the only 'out' that matters in football is when the ball crosses the line. This is another big step in that direction. Much respect @jakubjanktojr. Football is for everyone."

A fourth shared: "Well said Jakub & all strength & power to you. Football needs role models like you & we, and all LGBTQ+ football supporters & allies around the world, send you our love and best wishes on your forward journey, free from hiding your sexuality and free from discrimination."

Jankto follows the footsteps of Blackpool's Jake Daniels who became the first professional player - in more than 30 years - to come out while still playing in the UK men's division.

In addition to this, Adelaide United player Josh Cavallo came out last October and became the only current openly gay top-flight male professional soccer star in the world.

wp-image-1263194813 size-full
Jakub Jankto opened up about his sexuality in the clip. Credit: NurPhoto SRL / Alamy

After the release of the clip, Jankto's soccer club posted a statement in support of him and said the midfielder had "spoken openly about his sexual orientation with the club some time ago," as reported by The Independent.

"Everything else concerns his personal life. No further comments. No more questions. You have our support. Live your life, Jakub. Nothing else matters," they added.

Featured image credit: MB Media Solutions / Alamy

Czech international soccer star Jakub Jankto comes out as gay in powerful video

vt-author-image

By Asiya Ali

Article saved!Article saved!

Czech Republic international soccer player Jakub Jankto has come out as gay in a brave video posted on his social media.

The 27-year-old soccer star plays as a midfielder for Sparta Prague and is currently on loan from Spanish side Getafe since August 2022.

He made his senior debut for his country in 2017 and has scored four goals in 45 appearances, including at the most recent European Championships.

On Monday (February 13), the La Liga player took to his Twitter account to share a courageous video of him publically coming out as gay.

Watch his video below: 

In the powerful footage, he 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 fear, without prejudice, without violence, but with love," he continued.

"I am homosexual, and I no longer want to hide myself."

Many people on the social media platform sent their support to the soccer superstar after seeing his video. One user penned: "Football is for everybody! No matter what race, gender, sexuality. Nobody should ever have to hide who they really are. Jakub, you’re an inspiration. Keep being you."

Another commented: "Thank you so much for your bravery and courage Jakub. I am sure that this will have a strong impact on others who also love football but in the closet, and on football as a [whole]. You are opening important doors and helping many. Today is a big day for football. You are a hero."

A third person wrote: "Looking forward to the day when the only 'out' that matters in football is when the ball crosses the line. This is another big step in that direction. Much respect @jakubjanktojr. Football is for everyone."

A fourth shared: "Well said Jakub & all strength & power to you. Football needs role models like you & we, and all LGBTQ+ football supporters & allies around the world, send you our love and best wishes on your forward journey, free from hiding your sexuality and free from discrimination."

Jankto follows the footsteps of Blackpool's Jake Daniels who became the first professional player - in more than 30 years - to come out while still playing in the UK men's division.

In addition to this, Adelaide United player Josh Cavallo came out last October and became the only current openly gay top-flight male professional soccer star in the world.

wp-image-1263194813 size-full
Jakub Jankto opened up about his sexuality in the clip. Credit: NurPhoto SRL / Alamy

After the release of the clip, Jankto's soccer club posted a statement in support of him and said the midfielder had "spoken openly about his sexual orientation with the club some time ago," as reported by The Independent.

"Everything else concerns his personal life. No further comments. No more questions. You have our support. Live your life, Jakub. Nothing else matters," they added.

Featured image credit: MB Media Solutions / Alamy