Jakub Jankto receives touching message from Chelsea star after coming out as gay | OneFootball

Czech football star Jakub Jankto received a message from Magda Eriksson, who captains Chelsea Women, after he came out as gay.

The 27-year-old became the first current international player in men’s football to publicly come out as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

Jankto, who is on loan at Sparta Prague from Spanish side Getafe, made the announcement on Twitter on Monday.

He has since received an outpouring of support, including from high-profile figures in women’s sport.

What support did Jakub Jankto receive from female athletes?

Eriksson, who is in a relationship with her Chelsea teammate Pernille Harder, immediately congratulated Jankto following his announcement.

“Huge respect Jakub 🙏,” she wrote on Twitter. “It takes amazing strength and courage to do what you have just done. I'm so happy for you and wish you all the best 🏳️‍🌈.”

Both Eriksson and Harder are extremely vocal in their mission to promote inclusivity in football, and recently spoke with Chelsea men's captain Cesar Azpilicueta about making the sport more welcoming for all.

Jankto also received support from fellow Czech sports star Karolína Plíšková, the current world number 19 in women’s tennis.

Plíšková also messaged Jankto on Twitter, writing: “Respect! I wish you all the best ✊ #loveforall 🌈."

How did Jakub Jankto announce he was part of the LGBTQ+ community?

Jankto, who has made 45 appearances for the Czech Republic, made his announcement by posting an emotional video on Twitter.

"Like everybody else, I have my strengths, I have my weaknesses, I have a family, I have my friends," he said.

"I have a job that I have been doing as best as I can for years with seriousness, with professionalism and passion.

Video: Watch Jakub Jankto's coming out video

Jankto joins Blackpool’s Jake Daniels and Adelaide United’s Josh Cavallo as the only other openly gay male players in professional football.

This is in stark contrast to women’s football, where there are numerous players who are openly members of the LGBTQ+ community.

In a statement, Sparta Prague said Jankto had discussed his sexuality with the club's management, coach and team-mates "some time ago".