Jake Daniels was inspired by Josh Cavallo and Tom Daley to ‘drive change’ by coming out

Words: Alastair James; pictures: Sky Sports News, Wiki, and BBC

Jake Daniels has said he was inspired to come out as gay, becoming the only active pro-footballer in Britain to do so, by the likes of Josh Cavallo and Tom Daley.

The 17-year-old striker for Blackpool FC came out on Monday (16 May) in an interview with Sky Sports News.

He said he had thought he’d have to remain in the closet until he had retired, but after coming out had had some “amazing support”. 

“I’ve been hiding the real me”

Commenting on a season in a statement on the Blackpool FC website Jake says it’s been fantastic on the pitch after making his first-team debut, scoring 30 goals for the youth team, and signing his first professional contract.

“But off the pitch I’ve been hiding the real me and who I really am. I’ve known my whole life that I’m gay, and I now feel that I’m ready to come out and be myself,” Jake says.

Recognising his coming out is a “step into the unknown” in regard to the world of football in the UK, Jake reveals, “I’ve been inspired by Josh Cavallo, Matt Morton, and athletes from other sports, like Tom Daley, to have the courage and determination to drive change.”

The teenager says he’s been supported by his family and friends, his club, agent, and Stonewall.

“I have also confided in my team-mates in the youth team here at Blackpool, and they too have embraced the news and supported my decision to open up and tell people,” he adds.

A message from Jake Daniels. https://t.co/R2wEsniXKV pic.twitter.com/dcznYKtSaD

— Blackpool FC (@BlackpoolFC) May 16, 2022

He goes on to say: “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.

“There are people out there in the same space as me that may not feel comfortable revealing their sexuality. I just want to tell them that you don’t have to change who you are, or how you should be, just to fit in,” he continues.

Finally, he says, “You being you, and being happy, is what matters most.”

Jake’s coming out is a big moment for football in the UK and more broadly. The last British player to come out while they were still playing was the late Justin Fashanu who came out in 1990.

The former Aston Villa star Thomas Hitzlsperger came out once he retired in 2013. Thomas Beattie also came out once he had retired in 2020. 

Last year, Josh Cavallo from Australia came out publicly, becoming at that point the world’s only out gay male top-level professional footballer. 

The Attitude May/June issue is out now.