Czech international Jakub Jankto comes out as gay

Czech international Jakub Jankto comes out as gay

The 27-year-old Jankto is the most famous footballer to openly announce being gay. The midfielder played 155 games in Serie A, 14 in La Liga and appeared in 45 international matches for the Czech national team. In 2021, he played at the European Championship against the Oranje, who were eliminated by the Czech Republic.

“I have work that I have been doing professionally and with passion for many years.” I want to be able to live freely. Without fear. Without prejudice. Without violence. But with love. I am gay and I don’t want to hide any longer.”

Jakub Jankto, player of Sparta Prague

His club Sparta Prague, which Jankto joined on loan from Spain’s Getafe, is fully behind the footballer’s coming-out: “You have our support. Live your life, Jakub. Nothing else matters.” Getafe also reported its “maximum respect and unconditional support” to Jankto in a tweet.

Neymar also responds to the video message in which footballer Jakub Jankto shares that he is gay.

‘All forms of discrimination must be combated’

Neymar, a professional player at Paris Saint-Germain

Few footballers have come out of the closet like Jankto. Australian Josh Cavallo (Adelaide United) and Englishman Jake Daniels (Blackpool) recently preceded him, in 2021 and 2022 respectively.

More about ‘All-in & Win’ 

EFDN started a new project called ‘All-in & Win’ to increase knowledge & awareness to recognize discrimination in grassroots sports towards members of the LGBT+ community. Together with two academic institutions, the John Blankenstein Foundation and multiple hockey & football national associations, EFDN aims for the acceptance of LGBT+ and to create a safe & inclusive sports climate for people who identify themselves within the LGBT+ label. 

‘This must have been such a burden for him,’ says Karin Blankenstein, president of the John Blankenstein Foundation, which works for the acceptance of LGBT+ individuals in the sports world. ‘Now he dares to say: I am who I am. That’s very brave.’

Participation in sports is a human right and everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy its physical, social and mental health benefits regardless of their sex, sexual orientation or gender identity. With the support of the European Commission, All-in & Win is setting up a research spread around Europe to gather empirical results about racism, discrimination and intolerance of the LGBT+ community in sport.

The objectives of the program are to:

• Tackle racism, discrimination, and violence against the LGBT+ community in sport 
• Social inclusion in and through sport 
• Promote social cohesion through sport 
• Promote active citizenship 
• Promote voluntary activity in sport 
• Enhance social and bridging capital of athletes 
• Creating a safer environment for athletes within their club or organization