Daniels recently became the UK’s first male professional footballer to come out as gay in 32 years
Australian footballer Josh Cavallo has hailed the bravery of Blackpool youngster Jake Daniels and says he is ‘very proud” after he recently came out as gay.
Daniels revealed the news on Monday, making him the first male professional footballer in the UK to come out as gay since Justin Fashanu in 1990.
The 17-year-old made the announcement during an interview with Sky Sports, in which he said he hoped that his bravery could help to inspire others to follow suit and also be proud of their sexuality.
“I am hoping that by coming out, I can be a role model, to help others come out if they want to,” he said.
“I am only 17 but I am clear that this is what I want to do and if, by me coming out, other people look at me and feel maybe they can do it as well, that would be brilliant.
“If they think this kid is brave enough do this, I will be able to do it too.”
Blackpool's Jake Daniels has become the first British footballer to come out publicly as gay since Justin Fashanu.
We wish Jake all the luck in the world and commend him for his bravery in taking this historic step 🌈 ❤️ https://t.co/RxCdYXnMTu
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) May 16, 2022
Cavallo said it was a ‘wonderful feeling’ helping Daniels to be his ‘true self’
The announcement comes seven months after Cavallo himself made history by becoming the only top-flight male professional footballer to publicly announce he was gay – something which Daniels admits inspired his own decision to come out.
Ahead of his A-League play-off semi final for Adelaide United against Melbourne City, Cavallo said it was a “wonderful feeling” knowing he helped the Blackpool youngster to be his “true self” and that he was ‘proud of his bravery.’
“As myself and Adelaide United prepare for the A-League semi-final, I want to stop and take a moment to acknowledge Jake’s announcement and say how very proud I am for his bravery,” he said, as per The Guardian.
“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.”
Jake Daniels received widespread support across social media
Daniels received widespread support for his bravery from some of the biggest names in the game such as Harry Kane, Gary Lineker, Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher and many more.
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
"It's a day of great importance for English football"
Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher discuss Blackpool's Jake Daniels coming out as gay – the first UK professional footballer to do so publicly since 1990 pic.twitter.com/YzUrpfYP1M
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 16, 2022
Related links:
- Blackpool’s Jake Daniels publicly comes out as gay
- Josh Cavallo calls out homophobic abuse from supporters at A-League match
- Australian footballer Josh Cavallo comes out as gay
