Czech Republic midfielder Jakub Jankto has become one of the most high-profile male footballers to come out as gay.
The 27-year-old, who plays for prominent Czech side Sparta Prague, said in a video posted on Twitter: “I no longer want to hide myself.”
Jankto, who has made 45 appearances for the Czech national side, is on loan to Sparta Prague from the Spanish club Getafe.
He has previously played for Italian clubs Sampdoria and Udinese.
Jankto said in his Twitter video: “Like everybody else, I want to live my life with freedom, without fears, without prejudice, without violence, but with love.
“I am homosexual and I no longer want to hide myself.”
Jakub Jankto has made 45 appearances for the Czech Republic. Pic: AP
Sparta Prague’s official Twitter account retweeted the video and said “you have our support”.
“Live your life, Jakub,” the club added.
The Premier League also responded to the video with a comment saying: “We’re with you, Jakub. Football is for everyone.”
While women’s football features many prominent LGBTQ+ players, it’s still rare for professional male players to come out publicly as gay.
Josh Cavallo, who plays for Adelaide United in Australia, became the only openly gay player in a top men’s league when he came out in 2021.
Last year, Jake Daniels of English Championship club Blackpool became the first active male professional player in Britain to publicly say he’s gay.