UK’s only out professional male footballer opens up

Jake Daniels, the only male professional footballer in the UK to be openly out, following Justin Fashanu in 1990, is determined to be recognised for more than just being “the gay footballer.”

The Blackpool forward publicly came out in May 2022, but since then, he has not played a competitive match for the club, with his sole senior appearance being in a Championship game at Peterborough 10 days before his groundbreaking announcement.

The 19-year-old concluded last season on loan at Bradford Park Avenue in the seventh-tier Northern Premier League.

Daniels received a new one-year contract with Blackpool over the summer but is presently on loan again in the Northern Premier League with Warrington Rylands.

Sharing with former international swimmer Michael Gunning in a new Sky Sports documentary, Daniels, according to ‘G Scene’, stated, “People only really know me now as the gay footballer, so it’s about me now showing myself on the pitch and proving that I am a good footballer.”

He reflected on the time after coming out, saying, “Since coming out, there was a bit of time where things weren’t going quite right, it was a completely different experience, I was in a different bubble.”

“But I made sure this year that I really focused on my football and I was able to have the opportunity to go out on loan. It really made a difference. I got my confidence back.”

“I did well and it has given me the opportunity to have another year at Blackpool, so I feel like it is time to kick on now and prove where I should be.”

Daniels was initially overwhelmed by the support he received after coming out, receiving messages from Prince William, Harry Kane on social media, and a call from Elton John.

“I was telling myself I would get a lot of hate and it’s been completely different, which I am very grateful for,” he shared. “Everyone has been so loving.”

“It feels like it was so much better that I came out at a young age. I couldn’t hide it anymore and that might have put my career in jeopardy of mental health issues.”

“Coming out might put my career in jeopardy depending on what country I move to or team I play for. But hopefully it’s the best thing that I’ve done. That’s what it does feel like.”

“I am still getting messages off people and people’s parents. Seeing mums message me saying, ‘My son has just told me he was gay because of what you’ve done,’ it is an inspirational feeling.”

Despite the positive response to his coming out, Daniels does have concerns about dealing with potential abuse in front of large crowds.

“If I do get the chance to play in front of 20,000 to 30,000 fans, am I going to be able to handle the pressure of that?” he wondered. “Maybe if something gets shouted at me, will I be able to handle that?”

“There are going to be a lot more challenges along the way that I have to be able to overcome to make my career better.”

Beyond football, Daniels has gained significant public attention, featuring in Vogue, on the cover of Attitude, and as part of a L’Oreal campaign.

“It’s been crazy,” he commented. “Vogue was the first shoot I did but I love doing them now. It’s a hobby I like being involved in.”