Czech Republic's midfielder Jakub Jankto plays the ball during the UEFA EURO 2020 Group D football match between Czech Republic and England at Wembley Stadium in London on June 22, 2021. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths / POOL / AFP) (Photo by LAURENCE GRIFFITHS/POOL /AFP via Getty Images)
(CNN) --
Czech soccer player Jakub Jankto is the first active male international player to come out as gay.
"Like everyone, I have my strengths, I have my weaknesses; I have a family, I have my friends," Jankto said in a video posted on Twitter on Monday.
"I have a job, which I do the best I can, for years, with seriousness, professionalism and passion. Like everyone else, I also want to live my life in freedom, without fear, without prejudice, without violence, but with love. I'm gay and I don't want to hide anymore," he continued.
The 27-year-old midfielder is currently on loan at Sparta Prague from Spanish Getafe.
The Czech Republic-based team released a statement in support of the player, writing: "Jakub Jankto spoke openly about his sexual orientation with the club management, coach and teammates some time ago."
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"No more comments. No more questions. You have our support. Live your life, Jakub. Nothing else matters."
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— Jakub Jankto (@jakubjanktojr) February 13, 2023
In a show of support, Getafe wrote: "Our utmost respect and unconditional support for our player, Jakub Jankto."
Jankto has made 45 caps for his country since making his debut in 2017, scoring four goals.
Football organizations also expressed their support for Jankto.
UEFA, European football's governing body, wrote: "Well done Jakub. You are a true inspiration and European football stands with you!"
Fifpro, the global players union, tweeted: "Live your life Jakub. Proud."
Jankto joins Australian player Josh Cavallo as the world's only openly gay top division male footballers.
Jake Daniels, an 18-year-old striker for Blackpool, in the English second division, told it in May 2022.
Thomas Hitzlsperger, a midfielder who made 52 caps for Germany, did so after retiring.
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