Czech Republic midfielder Jakub Jankto “no longer wants to hide” as he becomes the first current men’s international footballer to publicly come out as gay. 
The footballer who plays for Sparta Prague on loan from Getafe, posted a video on social media on Monday, February 13, saying he is gay, making him one of the most high-profile male soccer players to come out. Jankto said in the video; “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.” A message at the end of the video read: “This is not entertainment. The purpose of this video is to encourage others.” pic.twitter.com/PZNSAteOch — Jakub Jankto (@jakubjanktojr) February 13, 2023 Messages of support quickly followed Jankto’s post, with Sparta Prague saying on Twitter: “Jakub Jankto spoke openly about his sexual orientation with the club’s management, coach and team-mates some time ago. Everything else concerns his personal life. No further comments. No more questions. You have our support. Live your life, Jakub. Nothing else matters.” The Premier League replied 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.” 27-year-old Jankto previously played for Italian clubs Sampdoria and Udinese and has made 45 appearances for the Czech national team, scoring four goals and setting up 13 more. He’s now the first La Liga player to come out as homosexual, and follows in the footsteps of Adelaide United star Josh Cavallo and Blackpool youth striker Jake Daniels as one of the few openly gay players in the men’s game.
