Former Rangers target Jakub Jankto has become the most high-profile footballer to come out publicly as gay as the Sparta Prague loanee announces he doesn’t want to live in fear.
The 27-year-old Czech midfielder is back in his homeland on loan from Spanish outfit Getafe and made the announcement on his official Twitter account.
It is being regarded as a huge step forward for homosexual footballers in the male game, with the culture of the sport meaning gay players have had to largely keep their sexuality a secret.
“Hi, I’m Jakub Jankto,” said Jankto [Twitter].
“Like everybody else, I have my strengths, I have my weaknesses; I have a family, I have my friends.
“I have a job, which I have been doing it as best as I can, for years, with seriousness, professionalism and passion. Like everybody else, I also want to live my life in freedom without fears, without prejudice, without violence, but with love.
“I am homosexual, and I no longer want to hide myself.”
Rangers-linked Jakub Jankto comes out as gay
Rangers were linked with a move for Jakub Jankto in 2020 with Fabrizio Romano claiming the Ibrox club came “so close” to signing the Czech midfielder that summer.
This was during the midfielder’s time with Sampdoria in Italy with reports back then even claiming the Ibrox side held a long-term interest in signing the player.
But for whatever reason, Jakub Jankto is now turning out for Sparta Prague – who have publicly supported their gay player – and Rangers didn’t move to sign him.
Rangers have their own LGBT initiatives at the club – namely Ibrox Pride – which run parallel to the much lauded Everyone, Anyone campaign.
It is quite remarkable that it has taken until 2023 for an international, active footballer of the status of Jakub Jankto to come out as gay and this is a visible step taken forward for the game.
Everyone deserves to enjoy the beautiful game regardless of sexuality, religion, race or creed and well done Jakub Jankto for showing the bravery to bring his sexuality into the public discourse.
Meanwhile, Joe Aribo has been handed a lifeline at Southampton.
