In a mere 44 seconds, Jakub Jankto etched his name into football history, forever altering the landscape of the sport. It was a simple video, posted on a newly created Twitter feed in February, where the Czech Republic footballer decided he had had enough of hiding who he truly was. In those seconds, he became the first current international male footballer to publicly come out as gay. The reverberations of this revelation quickly echoed across the football world.
“It was like every time I opened TikTok or Instagram, the first video was about me,” Jankto recalled in an exclusive interview with Sport Newes Center. “Everyone is speaking about you! I knew it would be like that for the first two, three weeks, but I needed time to myself to breathe for a little bit, to recover.”
The significance of Jankto’s decision to come out cannot be overstated. To understand it fully, you have to delve into his journey. It started in his native Prague, where he dreamed of emulating Czech stars like Pavel Nedved and Tomas Rosicky. He embarked on his professional football odyssey by signing his first top-flight contract with Serie A’s Udinese in Italy.
Stints at Sampdoria, La Liga’s Getafe, and earning 45 caps for the Czech Republic, including two appearances against England, were significant milestones in his career. He humorously recalls, “The first time I played against England, we lost 5-0 without any chances – and I remember thinking this was not a good game for us.”
But his crowning achievement was reaching the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 with the Czech Republic, defeating the Netherlands along the way. Jankto had achieved a level of success he had dreamed of as a child, but he hungered for more.
Yet, to continue growing as a player and as a person, he realized he had to take a leap of faith, something no active male international footballer had ever done.
Jankto candidly reflects on his journey to self-discovery, “I was 13 or 14 years old when I knew that something was… not unnatural, but different. As a kid, you don’t think too much about it.” He acknowledges the fear he carried, even as a professional footballer, fearing that someone might discover messages or photos on his phone.
Jankto’s decision to come out was a profound moment, both personally and for the broader world of football. “I wasn’t scared when I did it,” he says. “If I could do it again, I definitely would, because it helped myself, and I think it helped many, many people.”
He sets a positive example for all, demonstrating that living authentically is essential, regardless of one’s profession or passion. Jankto acknowledges the struggles that come with his newfound visibility, including social media abuse, but he also marvels at the fact that in 2023, he is the first openly gay footballer in the top five leagues. “I was surprised by that.”
Most importantly, Jankto emphasizes how normal things have been since he returned to Italy to play for Serie A’s Cagliari. “It’s good that everyone knows, but with the guys, we’re not speaking about it. And you know, I was expecting that at away games, somebody in the crowd would whistle at me – but nobody did.”
Jankto hopes his newfound freedom extends to his return to the Czech international set-up. If it does, he knows he’ll be doing it as his authentic self. He leaves a message of pride and strength for others facing similar challenges: “And maybe we’ll see more examples like me, not just in football but in different worlds as well.”
Jakub Jankto’s journey is a testament to the power of authenticity and the potential for positive change in the world of sports. His courage is paving the way for a more inclusive and understanding future in football and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Trailblazing
What prompted Jakub Jankto to come out as gay?
Jakub Jankto decided to come out as gay after years of concealing his sexuality, realizing that living authentically was crucial for both his personal growth and his career in professional football.
How significant is Jankto’s coming out in the football world?
Jakub Jankto made history as the first current international male footballer to publicly come out as gay. His revelation has had a profound impact on the sport, sparking conversations about inclusivity and acceptance in football.
How has Jankto’s coming out been received by his peers and teammates?
Since coming out, Jakub Jankto has found that his teammates treat him no differently. He feels supported and has not experienced the expected hostility from the crowd during away games.
What challenges has Jankto faced since coming out?
Despite the positive response, Jankto has had to contend with social media abuse. However, he remains resolute in his commitment to living openly and setting a positive example for others.
What message does Jakub Jankto want to send to others facing similar challenges?
Jankto’s message is one of pride and strength. He encourages those who must hide their true selves to find the courage to live authentically and not be afraid, knowing there’s no reason to hide who they are.
1 comment
so cool that jakub jankto did this! it’s great to see the world of sport becoming more accepting. soccer players are role models, and he’s setting a positive example!