Czech Republic’s Jakub Jankto has made history after becoming the first current international - in men’s football - to publicly come out as gay.

The 27-year-old Sparta Prague midfielder - currently on loan from Spanish side Getafe - made the announcement via Twitter, where he said: "Like everybody else, I want to live my life in freedom without fears, without prejudice, without violence but with love.

“I am homosexual and I no longer want to hide myself.”

https://twitter.com/jakubjanktojr/status/1625117590182928384?s=61&t=q1tOgCkDHaBOB-PUz3ouJg

In a club statement, Sparta Prague said Jankto had openly discussed his sexual orientation with the club’s management, coach and teammates “some time ago” and told the player: “You have our support. Live your life, Jakub.”

Since making his senior debut for the Czech Republic in 2017, Jankto has scored four goals in 45 appearances for his country. But perhaps the biggest thing he's done for his nation is, be true to himself.

As it stands, same-sex marriage isn't permitted in the Czech Republic, despite it being considered one of the more progressive former Eastern Bloc countries when it comes to LGBTQ+ inclusion.

If Jankto's story does anything, it will no doubt reinforce the idea that people deserve to be seen, heard, accepted and loved for who they are.

In the last year or so, we’ve seen the likes of Blackpool’s Jake Daniels become the first professional player in UK men’s football for more than 30 years to come out whilst still playing. Prior to Daniels, we saw Adelaide United player Josh Canvallo - at the time - become the only current openly gay top-flight male professional footballer in the world.

Here's to more players choosing to no longer hide their identities for fear of being judged by archaic principles and ideologies. Football is for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation.

Congratulations once again Jankto for making the decision to live your life authentically.