It has been 32 years since the UK’s first professional male football player came out as gay, Jake Daniels is now the second.
The seventeen year old forward who plays for Blackpool came out in an interview this week. He has been applauded for his bravery by fans worldwide.
Jake Daniels sat down for an interview with Sky Sports this week.
The professional footballer said that he is “ready to tell people my story” so that his fans can “know the real me.”
It’s a brave step forward for the player who is just seventeen years old. He recalled knowing he was gay since he was five or six years old.
After feeling like he had been “living with the lie” for a “long time” it was time to tell his story.
Daniels revealed how he had thought he may grow out of it or get a girlfriend as he got older.
“But as you get older you realise you can’t just change,” he said.
Jake Daniels has felt relief since coming out to his club, friends and family.
“It was impacting my mental health. Now I am just confident and happy to be myself finally,” he said.
“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.”
Aussie Josh Cavallo ‘so proud’ of Jake Daniels
Jake Daniels said he was inspired to come out by Australia’s own Josh Cavallo, who plays for Adelaide United, and others to “have the courage and determination to drive change.”
Last October, Cavallo became the only openly gay man playing top-flight pro football.
Cavallo said, “I want to stop and take a moment to acknowledge Jake’s announcement and say how very proud I am for his bravery.
“It’s a wonderful feeling knowing that my story has helped guide Jake to be his true self.
“It’s touching to see the millions of people that my story has impacted and inspired around the world, and to see it help evolve the world game at all levels, is fantastic.
“This world and the game of football has a place for everyone. Love will always win.”
Respect and admiration for UK player
Praise and love for Jake Daniels has also poured for the footballer across the world.
The Blackpool Football Club said they have “worked closely with Stonewall and the relevant footballing organisations to support Jake and is incredibly proud that he has reached a stage where he is empowered to express himself both on-and-off the pitch.”
“Football is ready for this moment, and we believe it has been for some time,” said Liz Ward, director of programmes at LGBTIQ charity Stonewall.
“This is an opportunity for everyone involved in football – from the players to the fans in the stands – to support Jake and show that football is everybody’s game,” she said.
When I was a kid I didn’t think I could ever accept myself as gay because I’m in to football. I was wrong. I found you can be gay and be a sports broadcaster.
Jake Daniels is more proof you can be gay and whatever the hell you want to be. His move today will help so many ❤️🏳️🌈⚽️
— Christian Hewgill 🎙 (@ChrisHewgill) May 16, 2022
Can’t put into words how much respect and admiration I have for Jake Daniels.
Being comfortable in your own skin, on and off the pitch, is the key to living your best life.
Your courage will change football for the better.
🔥
— Mark McAdam (@markmcadamtv) May 16, 2022
🏳️🌈 A wonderful and important moment- I wish you every happiness @Jake_Daniels11 and I hope you’ll inspire more young people to feel they can be themselves and create real change in sport 👏 https://t.co/R9nsKorlWB
— Scott Beasley (@SkyScottBeasley) May 16, 2022
Awesome dude, (he’s going to be a VERY popular boy) shout out to those not confident enough to take that leap, if you do it you wont regret it, but if you can’t or dont want to then all the love to you, and stay strong.