This is a momentous occasion in which we all get to witness history in the making. Jakub Jankto, the Czech international midfielder, announced that he is gay on his twitter account Monday in an emotional video. The fact that only a handful of players have publicly come out while still playing depicts how brave and inspiring Jankto’s announcement was. We were very excited to hear that he also recently became the first player attached to a club in La Liga to come out! We hope that other athletes and players who are closeted feel inspired by Jankto and will not be afraid to step out into their truths as well. Big congratulations to Jakub for having the courage to make this momentous announcement!
Last year, Jake Daniels made history when he became the first professional player in the UK men’s game for more than 30 years to come out while still playing. This milestone followed Justin Fashanu’s courageous move to publicly come out all those years ago. Just a few months prior, Josh Cavallo made the brave decision to proudly revealed that he is gay, thus becoming then only current openly gay top-flight male professional footballer in the world. Fast forward to today and we congratulate Antonin Jankto for joining this exclusive yet growing list! Sparta Praha announced that the midfielder openly discussed his sexuality with the club’s management, coach and team-mates “some time ago”. It is truly inspiring to see players from all around the world fearlessly embracing their true selves and encouraging others to do so too!
He was speaking with a voice filled with joy and excitement, describing what he sees as his life’s purpose – to live freely without fear or prejudice in a world of love. He explained the strengths and weaknesses he possesses, which are just like anyone else’s, as well as his job that he has been pursuing with passion and professionalism. But more than anything, he was keen to stress the one part of himself that he had hidden away for far too long: his homosexuality. By sharing this publicly, he expressed how liberating it felt to finally be open about who he truly is and is happily living out his authentic self.
Jakub Jankto, a 21-year-old midfielder in Czech football clubs Sparta Prague, has recently come out as openly gay. His announcement is being congratulated and supported by many within the football community. Former Aston Villa and German player Thomas Hitzlsperger tweeted a show of support for the young player. Jankto started his career at Udinese, then moved on to Ascoli and Sampdoria in Italy before signing a contract for Getafe in Spain. He’s had an impressive season so far with Sparta Prague, making 10 league appearances and scoring once while also giving one assist since joining on loan from Getafe in August. Supportive words from voice such as Hitzlsperger’s will go a long way towards opening up representation for all genders and sexualities on the pitch.
