Jakub Jankto: Czech Republic footballer comes out as gay

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Czech Republic midfielder Jakub Jankto has made a bold announcement as the player confirmed he is homosexual in a recent social media post.

Jankto made a social media video and announced about his sexual orientation, which is a laudable move from his side to say the least.

"I am homosexual and no longer want to hide myself," Jankto said in an emotional video on his Twitter account.

"Like everybody else, I also want to live my life in freedom, without fears, without prejudices, without violence, or love," he continued.

"I have a job and I have been doing it as best as I can for years, with seriousness, professionalism and passion."

The 27-year-old is currently playing on loan at Czech club Sparta Praha/Prague as he originally signed with Spanish side Getafe. Both clubs pledged their support after the player made his announcement.

"Jakub Jankto spoke openly about his sexual orientation with the club's management, coach and teammates some time ago," Sparta Prague said on their Czech-based Twitter account.

"Everything else concerns his personal life. No further comments. No more questions," Sparta Prague continued.

In another Twitter post, Getafe expressed its "maximum respect and unconditional support to our footballer Jakub Jankto."

FIFA also released a statement confirming they are united with Jankto.

Jankto started his career with Italian club Udinese and has gone on to play for Ascoli, Sampdoria before his move to Spanish outfit Getafe in 2021. He played 15 times for the Spanish club before a loan to his native outfit Sparta Prague at the start of this season.

The midfielder has also made 45 appearances for the Czech Republic, scoring 5 goals in them.

Although homosexuality is still associated with a huge social stigma across the globe, we have seen players coming out in the past as well. Jankto joins the list of Blackpool player Jake Daniels, who revealed he is gay last May. Australian footballer Josh Cavallo also came out in October 2021.