Getafe’s Jakub Jankto created history by becoming the first La Liga player to come out as gay. Currently, on loan at Sparta Prague, the Czech international opened up about his sexuality via a video posted on Instagram.
“I’m homosexual. And I no longer want to hide myself,” the 27-year-old winger announced. “I have a family. I have my friends. I have a job that I do the best I can, for years, with seriousness, professionalism, and passion.”
“Like everyone else, I want to live my life with freedom, without fear, without violence, without prejudice, but with love,” added Jankto, who aims to retire from the Major League Soccer. He has made 45 appearances for his nation and has played for illustrious clubs like Sampdoria and Udinese in Italy before moving to Spain.
He is among a handful of currently active homosexual players in football. Last year, the Australian footballer Josh Cavallo, who plays for Adelaide United, became the first professional player to come out after Justin Fashanu did in 1990.
When Blackpool’s Jake Daniels came out last year in May, he became the first European player to do so in the 21st century. “I’ve known my whole life that I’m gay,” said Daniels. “I now feel that I’m ready to come out and be myself.”
Jankto’s announcement is seen as a big step in Spanish football which continues to be mired in homophobia, among other things. Both Getafe and Sparta Prague shared his video across social media, wishing him good luck and extending unwavering support.
“Jakub Jankto spoke openly about his sexual orientation with the club’s management, coach, and teammates some time ago,” read a statement from his current club Sparta Prague, which further mentioned, “Everything else concerns his personal life. No further comments. No more questions. You have our support. Live your life, Jakub. Nothing else matters.”
Support came flooding in for the player from all corners on Twitter, including his club. “Our utmost respect and unconditional support to our player Jakub Jankto,” read a tweet from Getafe. Jankto is on a season-long loan in his Czech, where has played 15 matches for the club.
