Jake Daniels, the only openly gay male footballer across England’s top four divisions, has offered to support Premier League players who are considering coming out. Daniels, 18, who plays for Championship side Blackpool, became England’s first openly gay male professional footballer since Justin Fashanu in 1990 a year ago. Despite the lack of representation in the men’s game, reports suggest that there are gay players currently playing in the Premier League who haven’t come out yet.
Daniels told Sky Sports: ‘Since I’ve come out there has been rumours of Premier League footballers who might be coming out but you can’t force someone to come out. If they want to come out, then they will. You can’t force it, but hopefully there is that courage to come out because we need that group to keep getting larger so it can just move on in football and it can become the norm.’
When asked if any players have approached him over coming out, Daniels said: ‘Sadly not, but I am hoping someone does because I am probably the only person with that full guidance, and I can give them it. For me, if I saw that message, it would be a proud moment and maybe a teary moment to be completely honest. The best thing I ever did was speak out and it will be difficult. It was my life lie and it was difficult to speak out, but the best thing I did was speak to someone and I was able to come out fully then. Obviously, it’s up to you. You can’t feel pressured. It’s if you are feeling right and want to come out. Don’t feel pressured and speak to people, it’s the best thing I ever did.’