A Spanish goalkeeper has won praise by coming out as gay on Twitter with a photo of him kissing his boyfriend as he celebrated his team’s promotion.
Shot-stopper Alberto Lejaragga wrote alongside the snap of him embracing his partner as they locked lips moments after the final whistle: “Many thanks for always being at my side, in the good moments and in the not so good moments.
“This time it was our turn to experience the beauty of this.”
The 28-year-old, goalkeeper for Marbella FC who won promotion to Spain’s fourth-tier Segunda RFEF division on Sunday with a 1-0 victory over Real Jaen, finished his tweet by writing in capped-up letters: ‘GRACIAS’ followed by two heart emoticons.
As well as two photos of him with his boyfriend, who was wearing a Marbella football shirt with his partner’s name on it, Alberto also posted snaps of his family celebrating his team’s promotion with him.
The response from fans was overwhelming, with many applauding his decision to publicly reveal his sexuality in a world in which such moments are still rare.
One wrote: “A wonderful triumph and very much deserved.
“I love you for being the way you are, brave, honest, respectful, intelligent.
“You deserve all the good things your future holds and you will always be supported by the people who truly love you. Thousands of kisses.”
Another added: “Stop watching football whoever is upset by this.”
Spanish online sports site Relevo headlined its report on Alberto’s promotion celebration by saying: “A player kissing his boyfriend.
“Such a necessarily normal photo that it moves you.”
Madrid-born Alberto, who has just finished his second season with Marbella and describes himself on Twitter as a computer engineer and footballer, follows in the footsteps of professionals like Czech Republic international Jakub Jankto and Australian Josh Cavallo.
Jankto, a midfielder for Spanish top-flight side Getafe who is on loan at Sparta Prague, said in a video published on Twitter in February: “Hi I’m Jakub Jankto.
“Live 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 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.”
The official Premier League Twitter account replied to Jankto’s message by posting: “We’re with you, Jakub. Football is for everyone”, while FIFPRO, the global union for players, tweeted “Live your life, Jakub. Proud” along with a heart emoji.”
Australian footballer Josh Cavallo said he was “tired of this double life” when he came out as gay in October 2021.
He was described at the time as the only currently active top-flight male professional in the world to do so.
The Adelaide United player, who has represented the Australian under-20 national team, received widespread praise for his announcement video, with people saying he would 'save lives' by bravely revealing his sexuality.
Football Australia wrote at the time: "Football Australia wishes to commend Josh's bravery to come out as the only openly gay player in the A-League men competition.”
