The footballing world has evolved a lot over the years but it still arguably lacks the environment for openly gay footballers, especially in men’s football. There are very few openly men gay footballers or the ones who belong to the LGBTQ+ community.
There are some male footballers who have come out over the years, either after retirement or while being active in the sport as well. Women’s football, though, is much different, and even saw over 90 openly gay footballers compete in the FIFA Women’s World Cup last year.
Some reports suggest that some male footballers have decided to come out as a part of the LGBTQ+ community in May 2024. This is aimed to not only help them but also to attempt to make it more comfortable and accepting for others to come out as well.
On that note, let’s take a look at some openly gay footballers:
Andy Brennan
Andy Brennan was the first professional male footballer to come out as gay back in 2019. The Australian plays as a winger for South Melbourne FC.
The 31-year-old has spent his entire career in Australia, playing for the likes of Bentleigh, South Hobart FC, and Hume City FC.
Joshua Cavallo
Following Andy Brennan’s footsteps, Joshua Cavallo also came out as gay. He currently plays for Adelaide United in Australia and has made 52 appearances for them, providing four assists.
The right-back was also in the news recently as he slammed the Premier League and its players for their reticence towards being more open for the LGBTQ community.
Jakub Jankto
Jakub Jankto recently joined the list of openly gay footballers, coming out in February 2023. The Czech Republic international plies his trade in Serie A, having played for the likes of Sampdoria, and Udinese in the past.
Jankto has played for Spanish side Getafe before returning to Cagliari in 2023. The midfielder has made 20 appearances across competitions for them this season, registering one goal and two assists.
Justin Fashanu
Justin Fashanu was the first UK footballer to come out as gay back in 1990 and remains one of the only two to do so. He played for a host of clubs like Norwich City, Newcastle United, Manchester City, etc. in the Premier League.
Fashanu came out as gay publicly in 1990 and continued to play for seven more years before retiring. His earlier clubs, though, knew of his preferences beforehand.
Jake Daniels
Blackpool youngster Jake Daniels made the headlines when he came out as a gay footballer in 2022. In doing so, he became only the first UK professional footballer to do so since Justin Fashanu.
The 19-year-old plies his trade for Blackpool’s youth sides, having made one senior appearance as well.
FAQs:
Q. Who is the active gay footballer?
A. In men’s football, Jake Daniels is one of the active openly gay footballers, plying his trade for Blackpool.
Q. How many gay footballers are there?
A. Unfortunately, there are very few openly gay footballers in men’s football. This might change soon as many players plan to come out in May 2024 to inspire others as well.
Q. Who was the first openly gay footballer?
A. Andy Brennan, who plays for South Melbourne FC, came out in 2019.
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