Czech Republic midfielder Jakub Jankto has come out as gay with an emotional video statement released on social media.
While open homosexuality is commonplace within the women's game, for years there was virtually no representation within the men's setup but more and more players have come forward in recent years in speaking out about their sexuality. Justin Fashanu was once one of the only high-profile examples, but we've seen former Germany international Thomas Hitzlsperger come out as gay while Robbie Rodgers of LA Galaxy, Josh Cavallo of Western United and Jake Daniels of Blackpool have come out in recent seasons. In Scotland, Zander Murray, then of Gala Fairydean Rovers and now of Bonnyrigg Rose, became the only player in the Scottish senior leagues to come out.
Jankto currently plays for Sparta Prague and previously Udinese and Sampdoria, racking up 45 caps for the Czech Republic including one against Scotland at Euro 2020. And he has become the latest big name to step forward with a public statement about his sexuality.
In a video released on Twitter, he said: "Hi, I'm Jakub Jankto. Like everyone 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 as best as I can for years with seriousness, professionalism and passion. Like everybody else, I want to live my life in freedom without fear, prejudice or violence. I am homosexual and no longer want to hide myself."
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