Blackpool forward Jake Daniels, 17, appears as gay.
He is the first UK professional footballer to come out since 1990.
“I am of course aware that there will be a backlash to this and some will be homophobic,” he wrote.
Talented 17-year-old Jake Daniels writes on Sky Sports about his decision to come out as gay, both for his family and in public.
For a long time, it was considered keeping it a secret, as it is still a taboo in men’s football.
“I asked myself if I was going to wait until I came out until I stopped playing football. No other elite player here is openly gay,” Daniels writes on the site 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.”
Expect feedback
Justin Fashanu, who debuted in 1990, is the latest player from the British elite and the only one to debut earlier.
Daniels is convinced that his message will generate reactions, both good and bad.
“I am of course aware that there will be a reaction to this and some will be anti-gay, perhaps in the arenas and social media. It’s easy for people to focus,” Daniels wrote.
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 could make others look at me and feel that they could do the same, that would be tough,” he writes.
Jake Daniels grew up in Blackpool and this year earned his first professional contract after scoring goals in the club’s youth team. A little over a week ago, he had to make his first-team debut when he jumped to a 0-5 loss to Peterborough in the championship.
Zlatan praised Cavallo
As recently as October last year, 21-year-old Australian Josh Cavallo became the world’s only elite gay men’s soccer player.
Then he was praised, among others, by Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
“You are a winner. Football is for everyone. Great respect,” the Swede wrote on Twitter.