Czech International Footballer Jakub Jankto Says He Is Relieved After Coming Out

After coming out on Monday, Czech international footballer Jakub Jankto says he is breathing a sigh of relief.

The 27-year-old Getafe winger, on loan at Czech top-flight side Sparta Prague, became the first active international player to announce he was gay when he came out and he told Czech Radio that it was a "tough decision" but he is "really happy I made it," Yahoo Sports reported.

"Now I can finally live the way I want and that's what matters most. It was definitely a relief," said Jankto. "I want to give an example to others, to show you can keep doing your job. And I think I have given a very positive example."

Jankto has a three-year-old son with his ex-girlfriend, and he reportedly came out to his family then to his best friend a year and a half ago.

"Then I said it in the locker room a few months ago. My teammates' reaction was fantastic, they took it in stride," he added.

Jankto adds to only a handful of top football players to have publicly come out as gay while still actively playing, including Josh Cavallo from Adelaide United in October 2021 and Jake Daniels at English side Blackpool in May 2022.

"The reaction was huge, incredible, fantastic," said Jankto. "This made it much easier for me."

If you haven't already, see Jankto's coming out video below.