Every so often, a sports story comes along that tugs at your heartstrings just as much as it flexes those competitive muscles, and Jakub Jankto’s announcement has done exactly that.
The 29-year-old Czech soccer player, who made history when he came out as gay in February 2023 while still an active international, has officially called time on his professional career.
His reason is painfully simple and painfully human: a devastating ankle injury that left his ligaments completely shot and his dreams of returning to the pitch hanging by a thread.
Jankto shared the news in a candid Instagram post, explaining that despite months of trying to push through the pain, he realized he couldn’t keep going.
“Unfortunately, I don’t,” he wrote when asked if he’d continue his career, before admitting that the damage was just too much to overcome.
It’s a bittersweet moment for fans who have followed him from La Liga to Serie A, and of course through his trailblazing coming-out moment that made global headlines.
At the same time, Jankto gave us another reason to cheer for him: his decision to move back to Prague so he can spend more time with his young son, David.
In his post, he made it clear that family was a driving force behind the choice, saying he wanted to change the situation so he could be more present as a father.
Now, instead of chasing wingers down the sideline, he’ll be chasing after kids in a different way, having added “assistant coach to the Under-7s team at FK Dukla Prague” to his bio.
For a man who has always worn his heart on his sleeve, the move feels both poignant and inspiring, reminding us that new beginnings can be just as meaningful as final whistles.
And if Jankto’s story has you in the mood for more people opening up about their journeys, you may like our piece on actor Luke Evans spilling the tea on his first gay crush, his rugby coach, which proves sports and self-discovery often go hand in hand.
Jankto’s retirement also shines a light on the delicate but growing list of out gay male footballers making their mark, from England’s Jake Daniels chasing new club opportunities to Australia’s Josh Cavallo signing in the UK with Peterborough Sports.
Each of them faces unique challenges, but together they show that visibility matters, and that courage on and off the pitch deserves to be celebrated loudly.
As Jankto himself concluded, he remains grateful for the support and love shown by fans around the world, proving once again that while his career may be ending, his impact is anything but over.
And if you want another raw and honest look into the life of a gay athlete, check out our feature on rugby’s Keegan Hirst on gay sex, shame, and the road to self-love, because sometimes the most powerful victories happen off the field.
So here’s to Jakub Jankto — a player, a pioneer, a proud dad, and proof that life after the game can still be one for the highlight reels.