By
The Associated Press
PRAGUE — Czech midfielder Jakub Jankto announced in a video posted on social media that he is gay, becoming one of the most prominent professional soccer players to come out as gay.
“I am gay and I don't want to hide anymore,” Jankto said in the video posted on Twitter.
Jankto, 27, is playing this season with Sparta Prague, on loan from Spanish club Getafe.
He has previously played with the Italian clubs Sampdoria and Udinese.
He accumulates 45 participations with the Czech national team.
“Like everyone else, I also want to live my life in freedom, without fear, without violence, without prejudice, but with love,” Jankto said in the video.
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Sparta Prague retweeted the video on their Twitter account: “You have our support.
Live your life, Jacob."
Getafe also posted a message on Twitter: "Our utmost respect and unconditional support for our footballer Jakub Jankto."
Brazilian striker Neymar referred to the video during the press conference prior to the match between Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
“It is an important day.
I believe that each person should be free, it doesn't bother me at all," Neymar said.
"Every human being must be free for what he wants to be."
Jakub Jankto of the Czech Republic reacts after missing a goal chance during the UEFA Nations League football match between the Czech Republic and Switzerland at the Sinobo stadium in Prague, Czech Republic, June 2, 2022. Petr David Josek /AP
The Czech team pointed out that “nothing changes for us”.
For its part, the English Premier League also responded to the video with a comment: “We are with you, Jakub.
Soccer is for everyone."
Jankto has a three-year-old son, David, with his partner Marketa.
They broke off their relationship in 2021.
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While women's soccer has several prominent LGBTQ+ players, it is still rare to see men come out as gay in men's soccer.
Josh Cavallo of Adelaide United in Australia became the first to announce he is gay t in a major league by doing so in 2021.
Last year Jake Daniels of English second division side Blackpool became the first active male footballer in Britain to come out as gay.
