Jakub Jankto Becomes 1st Active International Soccer Player to Come Out As Gay

Czech professional player Jakub Jankto has come out as gay, becoming the first active international soccer player to come out as gay.

Besides playing for the Czech Republic national team since 2017, midfielder Jankto has been hired to play for teams like the Getafe CF and Sparta Prague. As such, he’s had a prominent career not only on a national level but also between high-profile international teams.

On Monday, February 13, Jankto shared a video on social media officially announcing that he’s a gay man. He said in the video:

“Like everybody else, I have my strengths, I have my weaknesses, I have my family, I have my friends. Like everybody else, I also want to live my life in freedom. Without fears. Without prejudice. Without violence. But with love. I’m homosexual and I no longer want to hide myself.”

Following his coming out, Jankto has received support from one of the most famous and successful soccer players in the world, Brazil’s Neymar, who’s been playing for Paris Saint-Germain since 2017. As reported by Get Football News, Neymar was asked about Jankto’s coming out and replied with the following statement:

“It’s an important day. Everyone is free. There should be less prejudice, whether that’s homophobia, racism, or any kind of discrimination. I wasn’t aware [of the announcement]. Every human being should be free to do as they want.”

FIFA itself also commented on Jankto’s video announcement with a tweet that reads, “We’re all with you, Jakub. Football is for everyone [pride flag emoji] [heart emoji].”

Welcome to the family, Jakub Jankto!