The Czech international Jakub Jankto, on loan from Getafe to Sparta Prague, became homosexual on Monday with the intention of living life “without fear, prejudice and violence, but with love”, becoming one of the most renowned footballers to do this anouncement.
The Czech player joins players like Australian Joshua Cavalo or English Jake Daniels to come out as gay in high-level professional football.
“I don’t want to hide anymore”, declared the player, in a video published on the main social networks, in which he details his desire to live his life “like everyone else”, with “freedom” and without fear.
– Jakub Jankto (@jakubjanktojr) February 13, 2023
Both Sparta Prague, which he currently represents, and the club that loaned him out, Getafe, published expressions of support for the midfielder, who becomes one of the main figures in an almost ‘taboo’ subject in men’s football.
After Blackpool second-tier Jake Daniels became the first active professional to play in the UK and come out as gay last year, Australian Josh Cavalo did the same, for Adelaide United, becoming the only one to the higher leagues, now Jankto joins.
In addition to the clubs, the English League also responded to the midfielder’s announcement, with a statement that “soccer belongs to everyone”, while the mayoress of Getafe, Sara Hernández, sent a message of support.
“Azulona fans at Getafe are very proud of this important step in your life. Without a doubt, you will be an example for many boys and girls who love the modality and now, thanks to you, they will not. You have to hide, I don’t know either”, declared the mayor, on the social network Twitter.
At 27, Jankto’s career already includes 45 international matches (four goals) with the Czech Republic, having participated in Euro 2020, and with Italian clubs such as Udinese and Sampdoria, after training in Prague in the great Sparta’s rival, Slavia. .
This season he has played 10 games for the capital formation, in which he plays on loan from Getafe.
The Czech Republic is considered one of the eastern nations with the most progressive laws on LGBTQIA+ rights, although same-sex marriage is still not legal, only the registration of relationships between two people being legal, after the ‘fall ‘ of the law in Parliament in 2021 .
Source: TSF
