Czech Republic international football player Jakub Jankto has bravely come out as gay in a powerful video saying he wants to “live his life in freedom”.
The midfielder posted the already-viral clip on Monday (13 February) across social media of him courageously declaring his sexuality.
He is best known for playing with Sparta Prague, as well as in the Czech Republic national team.
“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.
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“Like everybody else, I also want to live my life in freedom without fears, without prejudice, without violence, but with love.”
The 27-year-old then told the world: “I am homosexual, and I no longer want to hide myself.”
His bravery to open up about his sexuality while playing in a sport that is notoriously homophobic was met with applause from across supportive football groups.
Several footballers, sporting figureheads and advocacy groups replied with hearts and messages of solidarity.
Professional referee Ryan Atkin replied to the post saying Jakub Jankto was “truly awesome” for coming out, adding that he would “inspire so many people”.
Additionally, the Premier League Twitter account wrote: “We’re with you Jakub. Football is for everyone.”
Jakub Jankto is the latest professional footballer to announce his sexuality publicly while the sport continues to be plagued by homophobia from so-called fans.
In 2021, Adelaide United player Josh Cavallo similarly came out as gay in a powerful social video, making him the only gay, top-flight male footballer in the world at the time.
Blackpool forward Jake Daniels became the UK’s first male pro-footballer to come out in more than 30 years in May 2022, aged just 17. Later in the year, Zander Murray became the first Scottish top-flight footballer to reveal that he is gay.
Murray made history again just last month by singing for Bonnyrigg Rose and becoming the first openly gay footballer in Scotland’s top four divisions.
Czech Republic international football player, Jakub Jankto, has come out as gay in a social media video saying he wants to “live his life in freedom”.
The midfielder is best known for playing with Sparta Prague, as well as in the Czech Republic national team.
“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.”
The 27-year-old then told the world: “I am homosexual, and I no longer want to hide myself.”
Jakub Jankto is the latest professional footballer to announce his sexuality publicly while the sport continues to be plagued by systemic homophobia at all levels of the game.
What’s life like for LGBTQ people in the Czech Republic?
What’s life like for LGBTQ people in the Czech Republic? Let’s take a look at some of the key equality indicators.
Is homosexuality legal in the Czech Republic?
Yes, it was decriminalised in 1962.
There is now an equal age-of-consent.
Are there anti-discrimination protections in place for LGBTQ people in the Czech Republic?
Yes. There are specific provisions that protect people from discrimination on the grounds of sexuality. There were implemented in 2009.
Is there Marriage Equality in the Czech Republic?
Not quite. There is legal recognition of same-sex relationships – registered partnerships have been available since 2006. It does appear as if Marriage Equality will be embraced in the near future, but legislation will have to be passed by Parliament.
What’s life like for LGBTQ people in the Czech Republic?
The Czech Republic is a relatively accepting and welcoming place for LGBTQ people.
There is a vibrant and visible LGBTQ community in Prague.
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