It is very rare for a professional footballer who is still active to come out. This is the courageous step that the Czech international community has just taken on Monday Jakub Jankto. The 27-year-old player, loaned this season to Sparta Prague by his club Getafe, has indeed posted a video on social networks to publicly announce his homosexuality.
Like everyone else, I have my strengths, I have my weaknesses, I have a family, I have friends. I have a job that I have been practicing to the best of my abilities for years, with seriousness, professionalism and passion. I also want to live my life in complete freedom, without fear, without prejudice, without violence, but with love. I’m gay and I don’t want to hide anymore. »
Josh Cavallo insulted in the middle of a match in Australia
The former midfielder of Udinese and Sampdoria has 45 selections with the Czech Republic, and he notably participated in the last Euro. The previous professional footballer to come out was Australian Josh Cavallo (Adelaide United) in 2021.
The young 23-year-old left-back immediately confided that he had been “overwhelmed” by a wave of messages of support, but also by insults from spectators in January 2022, during an Australian championship match. “Hate will never win, reacted Josh Cavallo. I will never apologize for revealing my truth and, more recently, who I am outside of football. Football is a game for everyone, no matter who you are. »