Jakub Jankto
A Czech footballer who made history by becoming the first active male international in Europe's top leagues to publicly come out as gay.
Born 1996 (age 30)·Czech footballer·Birthday: January 19·Millennials
Biography
Jakub Jankto's football journey began in the youth systems of Slavia Prague and Udinese, before his dynamic left-sided play earned him a move to Sampdoria in 2019. His career, which included spells in Italy and Spain, was defined by a powerful versatility, allowing him to influence games from full-back or further up the wing. In February 2023, Jankto shifted the conversation around football forever, announcing he was gay while still playing for Serie A club Cagliari and the Czech national team. This courageous act, delivered with a simple message of wanting to 'live my life in freedom,' made him a pivotal figure for LGBTQ+ visibility in global sport. His subsequent retirement in 2024 closed his playing chapter, but his legacy as a trailblazer for authenticity in a traditionally conservative environment endures.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Jakub was born in 1996, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Jakub Was Born
The biggest hits of 1996
#1 Movie
Independence Day
Best Picture
The English Patient
#1 TV Show
ER
Jakub's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1996Born
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2001Started school
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2009Became a teenager
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Could drive
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2014Could vote
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2017Turned 21
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Turned 30
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Made over 45 appearances for the Czech Republic national team, scoring four goals.
- Played in Serie A for clubs including Udinese, Sampdoria, and Cagliari.
- Became the first active male international footballer in a major European league to come out as gay.
Did You Know?
He publicly came out in a video posted on his social media channels in February 2023.
His middle name is 'Květoslav'.
He played alongside legendary Czech player Pavel Nedvěd at the very end of Nedvěd's career at Sparta Prague.
“I don't want to hide any more. I want to live my life in freedom.”
