Soccer Star Jakub Jankto Celebrates First Goal Since Coming Out

Freshly out soccer star Jakub Jankto has just scored the goal of a lifetime.

As reported by Outsports, the Czech winger came out last February by posting a short video to his social media, explaining in the video that he wanted to live "in freedom, without fear." And though the response to his coming out has been mostly that of support, Jankto has been having a tough time on the soccer turf since.

Under Cagliari Calcio, Outsports reports that he has been publicly criticized to step his game up by his coach, Claudio Ranieri.

But then on March 3 during the Serie A TIM match between Empoli FC and Cagliari - Serie A TIM at Stadio Carlo Castellani, Jankto landed a symbolic goal and the crowd and his teammates went wild.

"I'm giving my all for the team and the fans," Jankto told Cagliari's website after the goal. The match ended 1-0 to the visitors. "I'm even happier for them than for me: they came again today, almost 700, they make so many sacrifices to follow us. For this, I thank them. They are fundamental."

Coach Ranieri was full of praise for the 28-year-old after the shot.

"He's a boy who does a lot of running and is always attentive tactically. Today. he found the goal and I'm happy for him," he said.

"Jankto finally roared, after so much chasing of this goal and after so much suffering," wrote journalist Vittorio Sanna, who has covered the club for years. "Who knows if a new championship will begin for the Czech?"

There are 11 league matches left to play, which means 11 more opportunities for Jankto to show the soccer world what he is made of.

Watch Jankto's celebratory goal below.