Blackpool player appears as gay – for the first time since 1990

Blackpool forward Jake Daniels, 17, appears as gay.

He is the first British professional footballer to come out since 1990.

– I know, of course, that there will be a reaction to this and that some will be homophobic, he says.

Narrated by talented 17-year-old Jake Daniels Sky Sports About his decision to come out as gay, both for his family and in public.

And for a long time he thought about keeping it a secret, as it remains a taboo in men’s football.

– I asked myself if I should wait to go out until I stop playing football. Daniels tells the TV channel that no other elite player here is openly gay, and continues:

But I knew it would lead to a long period of lies and an inability to be myself and live the life I want to live.

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Waiting for feedback

Justin Fashano, who came out in 1990, is the last, and only, player from the British elite to have made an earlier appearance.

Daniels is convinced that his announcement will create reactions, both good and bad.

– I am aware of course that there will be a reaction to this and some will be homophobic, perhaps in the arenas and on social media. It’s easy for people to target, Daniels says.

But above all, he hopes to be a role model for others.

I’m only 17, but I’m sure that’s what I want to do, and if, by going out, I can make others look at me and feel that they can do the same, that would be great.

Jake Daniels grew up in Blackpool and signed his first professional contract this year after scoring goals in the club’s youth team. A little over a week ago, he made his first-team debut when he lost 0-5 to Peterborough in the championship.

Get support

Sky Sports critics Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville praised Daniels’ bravery.

– This is a very important day for English football, and it is likely to be historic, says Neville in a televised broadcast.

The Premier League has also shown its support.

“We support Jake and believe that football is for everyone,” the league notes Twitter.

In addition, FIFA participated Function From the British LGBTQ organization Stonewall which states:

“We are proud that Jake felt he was able to share his truth with the world. Coming out as the first openly gay player at an elite level in the United kingdom The past thirty years require courage.”

Zlatan praised Cavallo

As recently as last October, 21-year-old Australian Josh Cavallo became the only gay men’s soccer player at an elite level in the world.

Then he was praised, among others, by Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

“You are a winner. Football is for everyone. My respects,” the Swede wrote on Twitter.