Czech international Jakub Jankto, on loan from Getafe to Sparta de Prague, came out as homosexual this Monday, with the intention of living “without fear, prejudice and violence, but with love”, becoming one of the most reputed footballers to make this announcement.
The Czech joins the likes of Australian Joshua Cavalo or Englishman Jake Daniels in coming out as gay in high-level professional football.
“I don’t want to hide anymore,” the player declared in a video published on the main social networks, describing his desire to live his life “like everyone else”, with “freedom” and without fear.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Jakub Jankto (@jakubjanktojr)
Both Sparta de Praga, which he currently represents, and the club that loaned him, Getafe, have published statements of support for the midfielder, who is becoming one of the protagonists of an almost ‘taboo’ topic in men’s football.
After Jake Daniels, of second-tier Blackpool, became the first active professional to play in the UK last year to come out as gay, Australian Josh Cavalo did the same for Adelaide United and became the only one in the top leagues, now accompanied by Jankto.
In addition to the clubs, the English League also responded to the midfielder’s statement saying that “football is for everyone”, while Getafe Mayor Sara Hernández sent a statement of support.
“From Getafe of the ‘azulones’ fans, we are very proud of this important step in your life. No doubt you will be an example for many boys and girls, who love the modality and now, thanks to you, do not have to hide. se,” the mayor declared on the social network Twitter.
Since #Getafe And since Afición Azulona we are very proud of this important step in your life. You will undoubtedly set an example for many boys and girls who love sports and who also tend to hide https://t.co/HUBVgqXQXN thanks to you
— Sara Hernandez (@sara_heba) February 13, 2023
At the age of 27, Jankto’s career has already included 45 international appearances (four goals) for the Czech Republic, after participating in Euro2020, and for clubs in Italy, such as Udinese and Sampdoria, after training with Sparta’s great rivals, Slavia in Prague. .
This season he counts 10 games for the formation of the capital, in which he plays on a rental basis from Getafe.
The Czech Republic is considered one of the eastern countries with more progressive laws regarding LGBTQIA+ rights, although same-sex marriage is still not legal, with only the registration of relationships between two people being legal, after the law passed parliament in 2021 . .
Source: DN
