Czech footballer Jakub Jankto comes out as gay

 "I, too, want to live my life freely," Czech international Jakub Jankto tells the camera. For the first time, a professional soccer player openly admitted to being gay while playing in a prominent European league.

Jakub Jankto

"Hello, my name is Jakub Jankto," the obviously affected 27-year-old midfielder tries to explain. With his video statement posted on social media on Monday, the 45-time Czech national player went down in history: He is the first player in a major European league to come out as gay while still playing.

"I, like everyone else, have my own set of strengths. I am not without flaws. I have a household. I have my circle of buddies. I have a job that I have been performing with seriousness, professionalism, and enthusiasm for years "According to the professional, who is under contract with Sparta Prague. Jankto want to live "without worries," "without prejudices," "without violence," but with love. "I'm homosexual, and I don't want to conceal any longer," he concludes in his statement.

Sparta Prague posted Jankto's video to social media, along with a few words from Metallica's Nothing Else Matters.

Getafe FC in Spain, where Jankto is presently on loan, also responded enthusiastically. "Our deepest respect and unwavering support for our player Jakub Jankto," the club said on Twitter. Jankto formerly played for Udinese Calcio and Sampdoria Genoa in Italy.

When it comes to accepting homosexuality, the Czech Republic is fairly liberal among Central and Eastern European nations. Gays and lesbians are permitted to form registered partnerships but are not permitted to marry. Every summer, the rainbow parade "Prague Pride" is held in Prague.

Few footballers have officially admitted their homosexuality to date, and even fewer throughout their playing careers. In 1990, Justin Fashanu was the first professional to come out. However, he committed suicide shortly after, at the age of 36.

Joshua Cavallo of Australia was the first active first division professional to come out in October 2021. ( the star reported ). The then 21-year-old Adelaide United star had addressed the public in an emotional Twitter video and also encouraged other pros to stand by their "true selves".