Jake Daniels comes out as gay and Jochen Klopp is thrilled by his courage
Outings in soccer still represent something special even in this day and age. For far too many people, "being gay" and "sport" (especially soccer) just don't go together. However, player Jake Daniels recently experienced that it can be extremely liberating to admit to oneself and one's sexual orientation. He came out as gay.
There was praise for it from different sides. Among others, also from Jochen Klopp.
Klopp hopes that more people will be able to stand by themselves
It didn't take long for German coach Jochen Klopp to speak out regarding Jake Daniels' courageous outing. He stressed in a post-match interview that he hoped more professional players would dare to come out in the future. It was simply "crazy" that "such a big thing" was still being made of it.
At the same time, however, he is positive about the future and is sure that something will change in people's attitudes. Daniel's outing is a good start.
Daniel's outing and his current special role
Daniel is not the first footballer to admit his homosexuality in the past. But he is currently the only openly gay professional in his sport.
Klopp's praise is based on an absolutely neutral attitude toward the player. After all, the two don't know each other. Nevertheless, the coach emphasizes that he is "really proud of him. It was courageous to come out as a soccer player - especially considering that Jake is only 17 (!) years old. Accordingly, his outing in general already takes on a special role.
Klopp is also sure that the player will continue to receive a lot of support in the future.
Outings in sports - for many still a balancing act
A look at the statistics shows that more and more athletes are now admitting to being gay. Nevertheless, it seems that in soccer in particular, the whole thing is still a little difficult for many people. Many fans are of the opinion that this is a "male sport" in which homosexuality plays no role or should play no role. However, the fact that soccer and being gay are not mutually exclusive was proven once again by Daniel's courageous statement.
The young professional is celebrated for his decision to stand by himself not only by many protagonists of the soccer world, but also by fans on social networks, among others.
Homophobia in soccer - still a topical issue
Unfortunately, it is shown again and again that there can be lived homophobia in soccer. Sometimes somewhat covertly, sometimes openly. Therefore, there are more and more clubs that stand up for more equality and tolerance and also show this to the outside world.
What is also particularly striking is that many well-known faces in the sport - for example, after coming out - make positive comments, thus indicating that it should actually be normal to take everyone as they are.
The list of celebrities who have responded to Jake Daniel's outing is also long. Among others, Thomas Hitzlsperger has already spoken out.
How Prime Minister Boris Johnson's statement can/should be viewed is perhaps left with a small question mark. The politician is not known for being a particularly strong advocate for queer rights. But: He also praised the bravery of the footballer and wrote in the social networks that he was sure that Daniel would be an inspiration for others.
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