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INTERNATIONAL SOCCER

The world of soccer shows its support for Jankto

A series of clubs, media personalities and governing bodies have taken to social media to show their support to the Czech international.

Prague (Czech Republic), 02/06/2022.- (FILE) - Czech Republic's midfielder Jakub Jankto (L) fights for the ball with Remo Freuler of Switzerland during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Czech Republic and Switzerland at Sinobo Stadium in Prague, Czech Republic, 02 June 2022 (re-issued 13 February 2023). Jankto published a video on his Twitter account 13 February 2023 announcing that he is gay. The player is currently under contract with Spanish team Getafe and loan at Sparta Prague. (República Checa, Suiza, Praga) EFE/EPA/LAURENT GILLIERON
LAURENT GILLIERONEFE

Jakub Jankto is the latest high profile soccer player to come out as gay. In May last year, Blackpool forward Jake Daniels announced he is gay, while Australian Josh Cavallo came out as gay in 2021.

In an Instagram post, the Sparta Prague midfielder stated: “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 outpouring of support from the world of soccer has been incredible with clubs, players, media personalities and governing bodies all adding their show of support to the 27-year-old.

The player’s current club Sparta Prague quoted lyrics from the Metallica classic ‘Nothing Else Matters’ in a show of solidarity with their player who is currently with the Czech top flight side from Spain’s Getafe.

Getafe too tweeted from their official account offering: ‘utmost respect and unconditional support to our footballer Jakub Jankto’

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FIFA, UEFA, the Premier League and MLS were just a few of the high profile governing bodies who tweeted messages of support for the player who has been capped by the Czech Republic on 45 occasions.

Shows of solidarity for the central player came from a host of top and high profile flight clubs from Spain (FC Barcelona, Osasuna, Valladolid), Germany (Schalke, Bayer Leverkusen) and England (Arsenal, West Brom)...