“I don’t want to hide anymore”: Czech footballer Jakub Jankto comes out as gay in an emotional video on social media and vows to live his life “without fear, prejudice and violence”.

Czech star Jakub Jankto has come out as gay in an emotional video on social media as you swear, “I don’t want to hide anymore.”

Jankto, currently on loan at Sparta Prague from La Liga club Getafe, revealed he is gay after insisting he was determined to live “without fear, prejudice and violence – but with love”.

The 27-year-old said: “Hello, I’m Jakub Jankto. Like everyone, I have my strengths, I have my weaknesses, I have a family, I have my friends.

“I have a job that I have been doing for years to the best of my knowledge and conviction, with seriousness, professionalism and passion. Like everyone else, I want to live my life in freedom, without fear, without prejudice, without violence – but with love.

“I’m gay and I don’t want to hide anymore.”

Jankto, who has 45 caps for his country, says he wants to live his life “without fear”.

As Jankto finished speaking, a caption at the end of the video read: “This is not entertainment. The purpose of this video is to encourage others.”

The Getafe player is one of the few male footballers who have come out as gay in recent years. Josh Cavallo, who plays for the Australian team Adelaide United, came out in 2021 and became the only professional in the world to reveal his homosexuality.

Blackpool FC’s Jake Daniels later became Britain’s only active gay player when he moved to fight homophobia in sport last year.

Some have also come out of retirement, such as former Aston Villa player Thomas Hitzlsperger and former Hull City youth star Thomas Beattie.

Jankto, who became the first La Liga footballer to come out as gay, was widely praised after sharing his post on social media, with one user writing: “Your courage and strength inspire Jakub. Be free, be yourself , be loved. We are beside you.”

Another said: “Thank you for your words. You help a lot of us.”

A third said: “It makes you an inspiration to thousands of boys around the world. I congratulate you on your decision and keep my fingers crossed that you are happy.”

While one said: “Thanks for that. The world will be a better place if others follow your example and show their strength.

The Getafe midfielder posted the video on social media to encourage others to speak out

Parent club Getafe was full of praise for Jankto, writing: “Our utmost respect and unconditional support for our footballer Jakub Jankto”.

The English Premier League also praised the player for speaking out, writing: “We are with you Jakub. Soccer is for everyone.”

Jankto has won 45 caps for the Czech Republic since his debut in 2017, scoring four goals.

The Prague-born star began his career in Italy with Udinese before enjoying loan spells at Ascoli and Sampdoria.

He joined Sampdoria permanently in 2019 and two years later sealed a move to Getafe, who loaned him to Sparta in August.