Sparta Prague's Jakub Jankto Publicly Comes out as Gay: I Want to Live 'in Freedom'
Feb 13, 2023
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - JUNE 02: Jakub Jankto of Czech Republic (L) attempts a kick while being defended by Fabian Schar of Switzerland (C) and Goalkeeper Yann Sommer of Switzerland (R) during the UEFA Nations League League A Group 2 match between Czech Republic and Switzerland at Sinobo Stadium on June 2, 2022 in Prague, Czech Republic. (Photo by Marcio Machado/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Czech Republic and Sparta Prague midfielder Jakub Jankto publicly came out as gay Monday in a post on social media in which he said he wants to live "in freedom" and "without fears"
Jankto, 27, now becomes one of the few active men's soccer players to publicly come out in recent years joining Josh Cavallo of Adelaide United in 2021 and Jake Daniels of Blackpool in May of last year. Cavallo became the first active men's player to come out as gay since Justin Fashanu did so in 1990.
"Like everybody else, I also want to live my life in freedom," Jankto said in the post. "Without fears. Without prejudice. Without violence. But with love. I am homosexual and I no longer want to hide myself."
Czech Republic international Jakub Jankto has publicly come out as gay in a social media statement. pic.twitter.com/cAjnpfDvuL
While Jankto decided to come out publicly about his sexual orientation now, he had already told people within Sparta Prague a while ago, according to the club.
Sparta Prague followed Jankto's post with a statement of support.
"Jakub spoke openly about his sexual orientation with the club some time ago," the club said in a statement. "Everything else concerns his personal life. No further comments. No more questions. You have our support. Live your life, Jacob. Nothing else matters."
Jankto, who is on loan from La Liga's Getafe, is best known for his time spent in Serie A where he made 155 appearances for Sampdoria and Udinese. The 27-year-old also has 45 caps for his country, playing in all of the Czech Republic's games during the 2021 Euros.
Czech Republic Will Refuse to Play Russia in World Cup Playoff After Ukraine Invasion
Feb 27, 2022
SAITAMA, JAPAN - AUGUST 06: A general view of a FIFA logo on a ball inside the stadium prior to the Men's Bronze Medal Match between Mexico and Japan on day fourteen of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Saitama Stadium on August 06, 2021 in Saitama, Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Masashi Hara - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
The Czech Republic men's soccer team announced Sunday that it will not face Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.
"The Czech FA executive committee, staff members and players of the national team agreed it's not possible to play against the Russian national team in the current situation, not even on the neutral venue.
"We unanimously approved the decision that the Czech national team will in no case enter the event against the selection of Russia in the qualification round of the World Cup 2022," the team said in a statement, per Jacob Whitehead of The Athletic.
The two teams could face each other in a World Cup playoff March 29. Russia is scheduled to face Poland on March 24, while the Czech Republic has a matchup with Sweden.
Poland and Sweden had already announced that they will not participate in any match against Russia.
As the top-seeded team of the four, each of Russia's matches would take place in Moscow. But its three potential opponents have now said they won't face Russia, even in neutral territory.
The winning team from this bracket would earn one of UEFA's final three spots for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Ukraine is also competing in the qualifying playoffs, matched up against Scotland, Wales and Austria.
FIFA, world football's governing body, has yet to make any changes to the qualifying schedule.
"We continue to monitor the situation," FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Thursday. "We will update on the World Cup qualifiers soon. We can take decisions immediately as soon as it’s needed."
Russia qualified for the 2018 World Cup as the host country, reaching the quarterfinals after an upset win over Spain in the round of 16. The team is 35th in the latest world rankings.
Czech Republic Footballer Frantisek Rajtoral Dies at 31 After Suicide at Home
Apr 24, 2017
ST PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - OCTOBER 2: Frantisek Rajtoral of FC Viktoria Plzen in action during the UEFA Champions League group stage match between PFC CSKA Moskva and FC Viktoria Plzen held on October 2, 2013 at the Stadion Petrovski, in St Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Alexander Fedorov/EuroFootball/Getty Images)
Czech Republic international Frantisek Rajtoral has died aged 31 after taking his own life at his home, where he was reportedly found hanged Sunday.
Ibrahim Kizil, president of the midfielder's Turkish club Gaziantepspor, confirmed the news to Turkish outlet Sporx (h/t the Guardian's Ed Aarons):
Unfortunately I can confirm that the news of suicide is true.
His team-mates were concerned after Rajtoral didn’t participate in today’s training session. He had good spirits, he didn’t seem to have any problem. I really don’t know why he did such a thing.
After his absence from Sunday's training session was noted, Gaziantepspor notified authorities who discovered Rajtoral at home.
The club paid tribute to him on Twitter, along with former club Viktoria Plzen, the Czech FA and UEFA:
Per Aarons, Plzen released an accompanying statement that read, "Rest in peace Rajt, we will all miss you so much, we will never forget you."
More than one in 10 deaths in professional football are attributed to suicide, according to the findings of a study carried out by former footballer and chief medical officer for players' union FIFPro Dr. Vincent Gouttebargein 2013.
Gouttebarge also found that more than a quarter of current professional players suffer from depression or anxiety.
The 41-year-old told Aarons, "It’s always sad to hear that someone might have committed suicide. Every year we monitor deaths of current and retired players but of course it can be difficult to speculate on the cause of death."
Rajtoral began his career at Prague-based side Marila Priblam in 2004 before joining Banik Ostrava the following year.
He made 100 appearances for Ostrava in a four-year spell and signed for Plzen in 2009, where he would make more than 200 outings in seven years—aside from a brief loan move to Hannover 96 in 2014—and win four league titles and the Czech Cup.
Rajtoral moved to Gaziantepspor last summer, making 23 appearances this season.
He made 14 appearances for the Czech Republic's senior side. In 2012, he helped the Czech Republic reach the quarter-finals of the UEFA European Championships.
Is Czech Republic's Vaclav Kadlec Washed Up?
Jun 16, 2015
Eintracht Frankfurt's Vaclav Kadlec holds his head during the Europa League group F soccer match against Maccabi Tel Aviv in Bloomfield stadium in Tel Aviv, Israel, Thursday, Nov. 7, 2013. Maccabi won 4-2. (AP Photo / Ariel Schalit)
Eintracht Frankfurt's Czech Republic forward Vaclav Kadlec, 23, enters the UEFA European Under-21 Championship with a point to prove.
Kadlec needs to mount a comeback if he wants to escape being in limbo at Eintracht Frankfurt.
All Hype
"We're doing what we love. I'm so lucky to be a footballer," Kadlec said, per FIFA's website. "My hobby has become my job, and that's magnificent."
Convinced by Kadlec's wonderkid status at Bohemians, Sparta Prague signed him as a 16-year-old in 2008 for €500,000/£393,925.
Sparta Prague invested in Kadlec maybe believing he would later be at the centre of a transfer bidding war from top clubs.
Tomas Rosicky | Sparta Prague → Borussia Dortmund: €14.5 million/£9 million (20 years old; 2001).
Petr Cech |Sparta Prague →Rennes: €5 million/£3.2 million (20 years old; 2002).
Pavel Nedved | Sparta Prague →Lazio: €3.5 million/£2.9 million (23 years old; 1996).
Kadlec perhaps was oblivious to letting down the suits at Sparta Prague who correctly projected the future greatness of Rosicky, Cech and Nedved.
Three years after a much-publicised transfer to Sparta Prague, Kadlec made little to no progress.
Sparta Prague's brains trust were probably feeling apprehensive at the direction of Kadlec's career, per In Bed With Maradona:
Widely touted across Europe in 2008 as the best player the Czech Republic have produced since Rosicky, scouts quickly descended on Prague ... Kadlec was named in the German newspaper Bild as one of the 10 best 18 year old players in the world ... Already a pin up boy in his homeland, Kaldec's progress looks to have retreated rapidly with his public image in the Czech Republic far more prominent than any contribution on the pitch.
[Czech football writer] Mark Smith: " ... I can't help but think if Vaclav spent more time on the training pitch than the tattoo parlour he would be making a bigger impact for club and country."
Despite Kadlec scoring 17 goals in his last 31 Czech First League games, his turnaround was too late to attract a big-money offer from a top club.
Joining Eintracht Frankfurt
Kadlec's previous red flags opened the door for Eintracht Frankfurt sporting director Bruno Hubner.
Edin Dzeko | Teplice → Wolfsburg: €4 million/£2.7 million (21 years old; 2007).
Vaclav Kadlec |Sparta Prague → Eintracht Frankfurt: €3.5 million/£3 million (21 years old; 2013).
Wolfsburg's calculated gamble on Dzeko lends credence to the exponential improvement a player can make if he has the trust of management.
Outscored by Lubos Pecka in the Czech First League, Dzeko's ability had more stock via the eye-test than his statistics.
"[Dzeko] was [even] offered Czech citizenship," per Ed Vulliamy's bookThe War is Dead, Long Live the War: Bosnia, the Reckoning.
Eintracht Frankfurt turned a blind eye to Kadlec's past problems, valuing his talent over his track record, which was a similar modus operandi Wolfsburg used when signing Dzeko.
"We're happy that we finally managed to close the deal," Hubner said, per UEFA's website. "Kadlec was the primary target for our coach Armin Veh and we see huge potential in the player."
Playing up front in Veh's 4-2-3-1, Kadlec's goal was a consolation in Eintracht Frankfurt's 2-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund.
Marcel Schmelzer, Mats Hummels and Neven Subotic were ball-watching when Takashi Inui lofted the ball in the direction of Stefan Aigner.
Finding himself in a one-on-one situation, Aigner headed the ball past Roman Weidenfeller, only to be denied by the post.
Showing outstanding anticipation, Kadlec skirted into the box unmarked, got to the loose ball first and confidently finished.
Briefly hiding behind Assani Lukimya, Kadlec darted in front to poke home a Bastian Oczipka pass in Eintracht Frankfurt's 3-0 win over Werder Bremen.
Again taking advantage of Lukimya's positional deficiencies, Kadlec scored his second goal, a header, from Sebastian Jung's flighted cross.
"Vaclav Kadlec, welcome to the Bundesliga," the commentator said, per the Bundesliga's website. "[Eintracht] Frankfurt's new goal machine."
Entering Matchday six of the 2013/14 Bundesliga season, Kadlec (three goals) was a goal behind Robert Lewandowski (four), who ended up scoring 20 times.
"[Kadlec] always causes problems. He's difficult to defend against. He is a player that can get a lot better," Veh said, per the Bundesliga's website. "He can become a great player, I'm convinced of that."
KickerBundesliga Player Ranking 2013/14: N/A (rating in theory placed Kadlec at No. 182).
During the 2014 summer transfer window, Hubner bolstered Eintracht Frankfurt's squad by signing Haris Seferovic from Real Sociedad for €3.2 million/£2.5 million.
"We're totally delighted that this transfer has worked out favourably," Hubner said, per Sky Sports. "We intentionally chose [Seferovic], a young player, who already has a relatively high degree of experience, but who still has plenty of room for improvement."
Like Kadlec, Seferovic was a wonderkid struggling to find his feet at top-flight level.
Seferovic impressed when he was a pivotal part of Switzerland's 2009 FIFA Under-17 World Cup triumph, scoring five goals in six games.
The FIFA technical study group highlighted Seferovic as an outstanding player: "Striker with excellent technique, dangerous in front of goal, always looks for direct route to goal."
Hubner effectively replaced Kadlec with Seferovic, who clicked with Meier.
"I'm very happy with our partnership," Seferovic said, per Felix Seaman-Hoschele at the Bundesliga's website. "We get on well both on and off the pitch, we're mates."
Meier led the Bundesliga in scoring this past season (19 goals) and combined with Seferovic (10 goals) to total 29 goals, 51.8 per cent of Eintracht Frankfurt's output.
The Meier-Seferovic partnership vindicated then-Eintracht Frankfurt manager Thomas Schaaf, who succeeded Veh, isolating Kadlec.
Unsere Studiogäste sind da. Um 23.10h geht's los im @ZDF mit Meier & Seferovic, alles zum Rückrundenstart und mehr. pic.twitter.com/7oPCUBHN34
Twenty-one games into the Bundesliga season, Kadlec played 116 minutes and was benched 10 times.
When Kadlec did start, he was thrown in a quasi-right-wing-back role in Eintracht Frankfurt's 1-0 defeat to Augsburg, forced to track Abdul Rahman Baba's cavalier runs from left-back.
In the 2015 January transfer window, Kadlec was granted a temporary escape route by being loaned to Sparta Prague.
Another Martin Fenin?
Fenin, a Czech prodigy, starred at the 2007 FIFA Under-20 World Cup and was highlighted by the FIFA technical study group: "Skilful and athletic striker, agile, good in one-on-one situations."
Signed from Teplice for €3.5 million/£2.6 million in 2008 as a 20-year-old, Fenin was earning a high salary, which swayed him to choose Eintracht Frankfurt over Juventus.
"I knew [Eintracht] Frankfurt wanted me. At the time I was the highest paid player on the team," Fenin said, per Eintracht Frankfurt's website. "For Eintracht [Frankfurt] to be willing to spend that kind of money is not as normal [compared to a] team like Juventus."
Fenin succumbed to the criticism that accompanies wonderkids who don't live up to the hype.
Subsequently, Fenin fell on hard times, per Energie Cottbus' website (h/t Eintracht Frankfurt's website):
I finally came to the conclusion that I am not able to take control of my illness on my own.
For a few months now I had the feeling of resignation and of loneliness accompanied by depressive impulses.
These were worsened by my temporary escape of using pharmaceutical [drugs which led to] this alarming diagnosis.
I tried to fight it but I have to admit that I will not be able to cure it without help from others.
Scoring nine goals in 13 games on loan at Sparta Prague including an outrageous first-time left-footed volley in Sparta Prague's 3-1 win over Budejovice, Kadlec approaches the UEFA European Under-21 Championship with renewed vigour.
Schaaf quit Eintracht Frankfurt after losing "the support of most members of the board and the players because of a perceived lack of communication," per Sky Sports.
Eintracht Frankfurt have replaced Schaaf with Veh—talk about coaching musical chairs.
Post-Schaaf, Kadlec can avoid being Fenin 2.0 if given a second chance by Veh at Eintracht Frankfurt next season.
The European U21 Championship kicks off on June 17 in Prague, giving us football fans a welcome reprieve from tedious summer transfer links and a lack of competitive domestic football...
The Czech Republic's clash with Italy looks set to be one of the ties of this World Cup qualifying round, even if the Bohemians are not the force they once were...
The first quarterfinal of the 2012 European Championships saw the Czech Republic dumped out of the tournament by a brilliant diving header in the 79th minute from none other than Cristiano Ronaldo ...
Czech Republic vs. Portugal: Players Who Must Soar for Czechs to Pull off Upset
Jun 21, 2012
The Czech Republic has become the surprise of Euro 2012 after advancing to the quarterfinals, but the Czechs will have to play even better to upset Portugal on Thursday in Warsaw.
After a 4-1 loss to Russia to start off the tournament, the Czech Republic scored victories over Greece and host country Poland in a balanced effort. The side allowed just one goal in those final two matches and scored three times.
Portugal lost to a strong German side to start Euro 2012 but came up big against Denmark and the Netherlands. Cristiano Ronaldo scored two goals against the Dutch.
Here's a look at who must step up for the Czechs to score the upset on Thursday.
Petr Cech, Goalkeeper
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u79-DhimNs0
The Czech Republic last faced Portugal in Euro 2008. In the group stage match, Portugal scored three goals against the Czechs, with Ronaldo swinging one home.
Petr Cech will be vital against Portugal's high-octane offense. The Czech defense as a whole has been solid, but there will undoubtedly be some opportunities for Portugal's talented offense at goal.
Cech made four saves against Poland in a pivotal match for the Czechs. He's going to have to be on top of his game if the Czech Republic has any shot of winning. He can't blow saves like the one he did against Greece.
Petr Jiracek, Midfielder
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsdTZ_ERUdY
Petr Jiracek has been outstanding thus far for the Czechs, scoring two goals in the tournament. The 26-year-old is the Czech Republic's best player, and he must continue his success against Portugal, especially considering Portugal could get across at least two goals in the match.
The midfielder has the ability to step up in big moments, as he showed when he scored the deciding second-half goal against Poland to advance the Czechs to the quarterfinals.
Vaclav Pilar, Midfielder
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjdyFmhU6hM
Jiracek's partner-in-crime, Vaclav Pilar, has also scored two goals in the tournament. The 23-year-old has emerged as a dangerous player for the side and has great chemistry with Jiracek.
He's a bit inexperienced, which could come into play against Portugal, but if he plays with confidence, he has the ability on the pitch to make a big difference. He can't get pushed around and must attack like he did in the group stage.
Euro 2012 Bracket: Squads in Worst Position to Make Title Run
Jun 20, 2012
Now that the UEFA Euro 2012 group play is over, the knockout stage features two teams that stand very little chance of making a deep run in the tournament.
Out of the eight teams remaining, the two teams with the worst chance to make it through the end of the tournament happen to come out of the same group. The Czech Republic and Greece both advanced out of Group A and have difficult draws in the quarterfinals.
The Czech Republic's defense is one of the worst that remains in the tournament and they were exploited in the group stage. After being throttled by Russia 4-1 in their opening game, the Czechs made adjustments in the next two games. Against Greece and Poland the Czechs allowed only one goal in two games.
After a loss to Germany in their first game, Portugal seem to be playing their best right now. Cristiano Ronaldo finally found the back of the net (twice) in their last game against the Netherlands. The Czech defense will be tested. Portugal has an explosive offense, and they will be tough to beat if Ronaldo plays the way he did last game.
Another reason the Czechs are unlikely to advance is they will be without Tomas Rosicky for Thursday's match against Portugal. Manager Vladimir Smicer is not planning on Rosicky being available, so it will be surprising if he gets on the field. They were able to make it through the group stage without Rosicky, but missing him will make it even harder for the Czechs to pull off the upset.
The other team from Group A, Greece, made it through to the knockout round by beating Russia and held the advantage in the tiebreaker.
They also have a difficult task in the quarterfinals. Greece will take on Germany on Friday. The Germans entered Euro 2012 as the tournament favorites, and they made it through the "Group of Death" undefeated. By allowing only two goals in three games, Germany's defense will give Greece headaches all game.
The Germans are led by striker Mario Gomez, who he is always a threat to score. Greece has to figure out a way to contain him, but their defense should be up for the challenge. They are able to play strong defense, so Gomez may have limited chances to score.
Although their defense is solid, Greece's offense will struggle to get anything going in the quarterfinals. They will need Sotiris Ninis to step up and give them an offensive boost. If he gets on the field for an extended period he needs to make it count. The team scored three goals in three games, and they are relying on a team effort to make it through to the semifinals.
Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is proving to be more than adequate for Germany. He will look to stop any scoring chances for Greece.
Future matches also factor into why the chances of advancing for the Czech Republic and Greece are not looking good.
If the Czechs manage to get past Portugal they would likely face Spain in the semifinals. With Germany looming on the other side of the bracket, it is doubtful the Czechs will make a run through the powerful field. They need to find a way to slow down Portugal's offense, but ultimately they will come up short.
Greece's defense keeps them in games, but Germany look like the best team in the tournament. It was a tough draw for Greece, but a semifinal match against England/Italy would be tough as well. England won two games and tied once in Group D while Italy finished second in Group C. After tying Spain in the first game, the Italians had a letdown by earning a draw against Croatia. If they managed to get to the finals, Greece would most likely face Spain (or Portugal).
The competition for both teams will be too much to handle and they will see their Euro 2012 dreams end in the quarterfinals.
