Jake Daniels says he is determined to be known as more than just ‘the gay footballer’ – two years after he made headlines around the world by coming out.
The Blackpool striker became the first openly gay professional footballer in Britain since Justin Fashanu in 1990 when he made his sexuality public in May 2022.
But Daniels has not played a competitive match for the Tangerines since, with his only senior appearance coming in a championship match in Peterborough ten days before his historic announcement.
The 19-year-old was loaned out to Bradford Park Avenue in the Northern Premier League’s seventh tier at the end of last season.
Daniels signed a new one-year contract with Blackpool this summer but is currently back on loan at Warrington Rylands in the Northern Premier League.
Jake Daniels (pictured above on Instagram) became Britain’s first openly gay professional footballer since Justin Fashanu in 1990 when he made his sexuality public in May 2022
He had an interview with swimmer Michael Gunning (right) as part of a new documentary
Blackpool striker Daniels is determined to be known as more than just ‘the gay footballer’
“People only really know me now as the gay footballer, so it’s about me showing myself on the field now and proving that I’m a good footballer,” Daniels told former international swimmer Michael Gunning on a new channel. Air sports documentary, which will be broadcast on Monday evening.
‘Since I came out there was a time when things weren’t going quite right, it was a completely different experience, I was in a different bubble.
‘But this year I made sure I could really concentrate on my football and I got the chance to go out on loan. It really made a difference. I got my confidence back.
“I’ve done well and it’s given me the opportunity to stay at Blackpool for another year, so I feel like it’s time to get going now and prove where I need to be.”
Daniels admits he was overwhelmed by the support he received when he first came out, receiving social media messages from Prince William and Harry Kane, and a phone call from Elton John.
“I told myself I was going to get a lot of hate and it’s been very different, which I’m very grateful for,” he said. “Everyone has been so loving.
“I feel like it was so much better that I came out at a young age. I couldn’t hide it anymore and that might have jeopardized my career due to mental health issues.
The 19-year-old footballer is currently on loan at non-league club Warrington Rylands 1906
Gary Lineker and Rio Ferdinand were among those who posted in support of Daniels in 2022
“If I come out, my career could be in jeopardy depending on which country I move to or which team I play for. But hopefully this is the best I’ve done. That’s what it feels like.
‘I still get messages from people and their parents. When I see moms message me and say, “My son just told me he’s gay because of what you did,” it’s an inspiring feeling.”
However, despite the positive response to his news so far, Daniel is concerned about how he would cope in front of a large crowd if he does experience abuse.
“If I get the opportunity to play in front of 20,000 to 30,000 fans, can I handle the pressure?” he said. ‘If something is shouted at me, maybe I can handle it?
“There will be many more challenges along the way that I will have to overcome to further my career.”
Away from football, Daniels has achieved widespread public fame, including appearances in Vogue magazine, the cover of Attitude, and being part of a L’Oréal campaign.
“It was crazy,” he added. ‘Vogue was the first shoot I did, but I really enjoy doing them now. It is a hobby that I enjoy doing.
Off the field, Daniels has been featured in Vogue magazine and on the cover of Attitude (above)
‘If I wasn’t a footballer, I would like to follow the modeling route. But football comes first.’
Watch Michael Gunning’s interview with Jake Daniels on Beneath The Surface on Sky Sports Football on Monday evening at 7pm