Jake Daniels of Blackpool FC has made history by being the first male English professional footballer to publicly come out as gay in more than two decades.

After breaking into the Seaside’s first team in 2022, the 17-year-old spoke exclusively to Sky Sports on his decision to make the announcement.

Daniels’ move has sparked significant applause online as a courageous step toward increased openness of LGBT populations in football.

Following Adelaide United star Josh Cavallo breaking broken barriers as the only gay currently active professional player in 2021, his interview is part of a constructive step toward resolving issues of hostility and abuse.

Daniels’ pivotal interview has sparked an important discussion about professional athletes’ willingness to come out openly.

However, his decision to become the first English-based footballer to openly come out will bring back memories of former Notts County striker Justin Fashanu, who made the same step in 1990.

Fashanu came out in an exclusive interview with The Sun tabloid, but the article sparked widespread public outrage, effectively ending his professional career.

Former Aston Villa midfielder Tomas Hitzlsperger waited until retirement to come out, making him the only English player to do so.

Male players from Australia and the United States have joined Josh Cavallo in publicly coming out, with Daniels being a trailblazer in England.

David Testo, Robbie Rogers, Matt Hatzke, Matt Pacifici, and Collin Martin, who presently plays for San Diego Loyal in the USL Championship’s second level, are among the players who have come out during or after their playing days.

Andy Brennan, a former Newcastle Jets forward who came out in 2019 while playing in Victoria’s National Premier Leagues, was one of the first Australian footballers to do so.