Jakub Jankto looks focused and fearless into the camera: In a clip, the footballer announced something that had been on his mind for a long time.
Prague (Czech Republic) – The background is black, Jakub Jankto (27) looks focused and without fear into the camera: In a clip, the Czech national player announced something that had been burning on his soul for a long time.
Jakub Jankto (27) has come out. © Jonas Ekstromer/TT News Agency/AP/dpa
“I’m gay and I don’t want to hide anymore,” explained the Prague-born actor.
With his surprising outing, the 27-year-old created something special: because homosexuality is still a taboo subject in professional football. Jankto had already informed his current club Sparta Prague some time ago.
“Jakub has spoken openly to the club management, the coach and the players about his sexual orientation. You have our support. Live your life, Jakub,” wrote the Czech record champion Twitter.
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Midfielder Josh Cavallo (23) was the first active professional in the Australian A-League to come out in 2021, followed a year later by English striker Jake Daniels (18), who plays for Blackpool FC’s junior teams.
Jankto is the third active professional to go public with his homosexuality.
Jakub Jankto wants to “live his life in freedom”
Jankto is currently on loan at Prague from Spanish top flight club Getafe FC, having previously played for Udinese Calcio and Sampdoria Genoa in Italy’s Serie A. He has 45 international matches for the Czech Republic, and he was also there at the 2021 European Championship.
“Like everyone else, I have my strengths. I have my weaknesses. I have a family. I have my friends. I have a job that I have been doing to the best of my ability for years with seriousness, professionalism and passion,” says Jankto in his video on Instagram. “Like everyone else, I want to live my life in freedom.”
“Without fear. Without prejudice. Without violence. But with love,” said the 27-year-old.
