Once the news broke out, several current players, former players and celebrities from outside the football circuit also applauded the teenager’s brave announcement.
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The world of football united in supporting teenage Blackpool striker Jake Daniels for coming out as the UK’s only openly gay active male professional footballer. The 17-year-old centre-forward has become the first English professional male footballer to come out since Justin Fashanu in 1990. A youth product of Blackpool since the age of seven, Daniels revealed that he had received “amazing support” from his teammates and family after he divulged this information. Once the news broke out, several current players, former players and celebrities from outside the football circuit also applauded the teenager’s brave announcement.
“This season has been a fantastic one for me on the pitch,” Daniels said in a statement published on Blackpool’s website. “I’ve made my first-team debut, scored 30 goals for the youth team, signed my first professional contract and shared success with my team-mates, going on a great run in the FA Youth Cup and lifting the Lancashire FA Pro-Youth Cup. But off the pitch I’ve been hiding the real me and who I really am. I’ve known my whole life that I’m gay, and I now feel that I’m ready to come out and be myself.”
Revealing his inspirations behind announcing this decision publicly, Daniels added: “It’s a step into the unknown being one of the first footballers in this country to reveal my sexuality, but I’ve been inspired by Josh Cavallo, Matt Morton and athletes from other sports, like Tom Daley, to have the courage and determination to drive change. In reaching this point, I’ve had some of the best support and advice from my family, my club, my agent and Stonewall, who have all been incredibly pro-active in putting my interests and welfare first.”
READ MORE – Blackpool’s 17-year-old forward Jake Daniels comes out publicly as gay
“I have also confided in my team-mates in the youth team here at Blackpool, and they too have embraced the news and supported my decision to open up and tell people. I’ve hated lying my whole life and feeling the need to change to fit in. I want to be a role model myself by doing this. There are people out there in the same space as me that may not feel comfortable revealing their sexuality. I just want to tell them that you don’t have to change who you are, or how you should be, just to fit in. You being you, and being happy, is what matters most.” The teenager got a lot of support from Twitter once the story broke out. Present and former players like David De Gea, Harry Kane and Gary Lineker were among the many who praised the youngster’s courage.
? Brave, honest and truly inspirational. Well done, Jake. The European football community is with you.
— UEFA (@UEFA) May 16, 2022
The footballing world is with you, Jake ?️?
— Premier League (@premierleague) May 16, 2022
“There are people out there in the same space as me that may not feel comfortable revealing their sexuality.
“I want to tell them that you don’t have to change who you are or how you should be, just to fit in. You being you, and being happy, is what matters most.”
? Jake
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) May 16, 2022
Massive respect for this brave decision. Let’s all help create a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ people in football and beyond! ?? https://t.co/KUpCaYPap7
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) May 16, 2022
Amazing courage and bravery Jake. https://t.co/1vh13e7nlu
— David de Gea (@D_DeGea) May 16, 2022
Massive credit to you @Jake_Daniels11 and the way your friends, family, club, and captain have supported you. Football should be welcoming for everyone. https://t.co/x0MLZnBkjM
— Harry Kane (@HKane) May 16, 2022
Well played, @Jake_Daniels11. It’s been a brilliant season for you on the pitch, and now through your bravery, off the pitch too. I’m sure you’ll receive huge love and support from the football community and many others will follow your path. Good luck to you. ???? https://t.co/H1kqBCDSZ4
— Gary Lineker ?? (@GaryLineker) May 16, 2022
Congratulations @Jake_Daniels11!
A courageous and game-changing statement. At seventeen, he has hopefully changed the face of football forever. Bravo ?? ? pic.twitter.com/XYloE10jc3
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) May 17, 2022
