Czech Republic footballer Jakub Jankto has come out as gay, becoming the only active openly gay professional footballer.
The 27-year-old midfielder made the announcement via social media and has been praised across the globe for his courage as he joins the small list of footballers to come out as gay.
“Like everybody else, I have my strengths, I have my weaknesses,” he said in the clip. “I have my 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 am homosexual, and I no longer want to hide myself.”
— Jakub Jankto (@jakubjanktojr) February 13, 2023
In response to Jankto’s announcement, the Premier League Twitter account wrote: “We’re with you, Jakub. Football is for everyone.”
FIFA and the UEGA league also congratulated Jankto on his announcement, describing Jankto as a “huge inspiration.”
