Jakub Jankto: Czech Republic international midfielder comes out as gay
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Jakub Jankto has made ten league appearances for Sparta Prague since joining Getafe on loan in August
Czech Republic’s Jakub Jankto “doesn’t want to hide any longer” as he is the first current international in men’s football to publicly come out as gay.
This was announced by the 27-year-old Sparta Prague midfielder, who was loaned out by Spanish club Getafe, on Twitter on Monday.
Jankto made his senior debut for the Czech Republic in 2017 and has scored four goals in 45 games.
“Like everyone else, I have my strengths, I have my weaknesses, I have a family, I have my friends,” he said.
“I have a job that I have been doing as seriously, professionally and passionately as I can for years.”
He added: “Like everyone else, I 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.”
Last year Blackpool’s Jake Daniels became the first professional player in British men’s football in more than 30 years to come out while still playing.
Before Daniels, Justin Fashanu was the last active male professional footballer in the United Kingdom to emerge as a player during his career, appearing for clubs in England and Scotland after announcing in October 1990 that he was gay.
Before Jankto came out publicly, Adelaide United player Josh Cavallo was currently the only openly gay top male footballer in the world, having come out last October.
In a statement, Sparta Prague said Jankto openly discussed his sexual orientation with the club’s management, coach and team-mates “some time ago”.
“Everything else concerns his private life,” added the club.
“No further comment. No further questions. you have our support Live your life, Jakub.”
Former Aston Villa and Germany midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger, 40, who left in January 2014 a few months after retiring due to injury problems, tweeted: “What a player! What a personality! Other.”
Since going on loan in August, Jankto has made ten league appearances for Sparta Prague, scoring once and providing one assist.
He spent the majority of his club career in Italy with Udinese, Ascoli and Sampdoria before joining Spanish side Getafe in 2021.
Jankto made his senior debut for the Czech Republic in 2017 and has scored four goals in 45 games.