Getafe shows support for Jankto after the news that rocked social media
The Czech midfielder from Getafe, Jakub Jankto, announced his homosexuality on Monday, becoming the first LaLiga player to do so.
The 27-year-old international, currently on loan to Sparta Prague in his country, posted a video on his social media declaring his sexual orientation.
"I have a job and I have been doing it as best I can for years, with seriousness, professionalism, and passion," Jankto said.
"Like everyone else, I also want to live my life freely, without fear, without prejudice, without violence, but with love," he added.
"I am homosexual and I don't want to hide anymore," he explained.
Sparta Prague stated that Jankto had previously informed the Czech club and his teammates about his sexual orientation.
"Jakub Jankto openly spoke about his sexual orientation with the club's management, coach, and teammates a while ago," the club tweeted.
"The rest concerns his personal life. No more comments. No more questions. You have our support. Live your life, Jacob. Nothing else matters," they explained.
Getafe also offered their support to Jankto after the news.
"Our utmost respect and unconditional support to our player Jakub Jankto," the Madrid club wrote on Twitter.
Few professional footballers have come out as gay, and Jankto has done so after Australian defender Josh Cavallo and English forward Jake Daniels did it before.
Cavallo from Adelaide United came out as gay in October 2021 and Daniels from Blackpool did it in May 2022.
Jankto has played 45 matches for his country's national team, scoring four goals, and started his club career in Italy, at Udinese and then Sampdoria, before signing with Getafe in 2021.
Englishman Justin Fashanu was the first professional footballer to declare himself gay in 1990, and he later committed suicide in 1998 at the age of 37.
Football organizations also expressed their support for Jankto, as did some clubs.
"We are all with you, Jakub. Football is for everyone," FIFA tweeted.
"Well done, Jakub. You are a true inspiration, European football is with you," UEFA said.
"Proud of you, Jakub!" tweeted FC Barcelona.
The Czech footballer has a three-year-old son, David, with his ex-girlfriend whom he broke up with in 2021. AFP