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‘I don’t want to hide anymore’: Czech footballer Jakub Jankto comes out as gay in emotional video on social media as he vows to live his life ‘without fear, prejudice and violence’
- Jankto wants to encourage others to speak up after coming out as gay
- He has spent close to a decade playing in Italy, Spain and the Czech Republic.
- The 27-year-old has received widespread praise on social media for the message.
Star from the Czech Republic, Jakub Jankto, came out as gay in an emotional video on social media while promising: “I don’t want to hide anymore.”
Jankto, who is currently on loan to Sparta Prague from LaLiga’s Getafe, revealed that he is homosexual after insisting in the clip that he is determined to live life “without fear, prejudice and violence, but with love”.
The 27-year-old said: ‘Hello, I’m Jakub Jankto. Like everyone, I have my strengths, I have my weaknesses, I have a family, I have my friends.
‘I have a job that I have been doing the best I can for years, with seriousness, professionalism and passion. Like everyone else, I also want to live my life in freedom, without fear, without prejudice, without violence, but with love.
‘I’m gay and I don’t want to hide anymore’.
The star of the Czech Republic, Jakub Jankto, came out as gay in an emotional video on social networks.
Jankto, who has played 45 caps for his country, says he wants to live his life ‘without fear’
When Jankto finishes speaking, a tagline at the bottom of the video reads: ‘This is not entertainment. The purpose of this video is to encourage others.’
The Getafe player is one of the few male footballers to come out as gay in recent years, and Blackpool FC’s Jake Daniels became Britain’s only active gay player when he made the decision to help combat homophobia in sports last year.
Josh Cavallo, who plays for Australian team Adelaide United, came out as gay in 2021 to later become the world’s only professional.
Some have also come out after their careers ended, such as former Aston Villa player Thomas Hitzlsperger and former Hull City youth star Thomas Beattie.
Tributes have poured in for Jankto, who has become the first LaLiga footballer to come out as gay, after he shared his message on social media, with one user posting: “Your courage and strength are inspiring, Jakub.” Be free, be you, be loved. We are with you.
Another commented: ‘Thank you so much for your words. You are helping many of us.
A third said: ‘This will make you an inspiration to thousands of young people around the world. I congratulate you on your decision and I cross my fingers that you are happy.
Getafe also praised Jankto saying: ‘Our utmost respect and unconditional support to our footballer Jakub Jankto.’
Jankto has made 45 caps for the Czech Republic since making his debut in 2017, scoring four goals.
The Prague-born star began his career in Italy with Udinese, before enjoying loan spells with Ascoli and Sampdoria.
He joined Sampdoria permanently in 2019 and two years later sealed his move to Getafe, who sent him on loan to Sparta in August.
The Getafe midfielder uploaded the video to social media to encourage others to speak up
Tributes have poured in for Jankto on social media, and Getafe have expressed their support.