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Blackpool striker Jake Daniels, 19, insists he wants to be known as ‘more than just a gay footballer’… as he opens up about life after coming out and loan in non-league football
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Blackpool striker Jake Daniels, 19, insists he wants to be known as ‘more than just a gay footballer’… as he opens up about life after coming out and loan in non-league football

Jake Daniels says he is determined to be known as more than just “the gay footballer” – two years after he made headlines around the world by coming out.

The Blackpool striker became the first openly gay professional footballer in the UK since Justin Fashanu in 1990, when he went public with his sexuality in May 2022.

But Daniels has not played a competitive match for the Tangerines since then, with his only senior appearance coming in a championship match at Peterborough 10 days before his historic announcement.

The 19-year-old spent the end of last season on loan at Bradford Park Avenue in the Northern Premier League, seventh division.

Daniels secured a new one-year deal with Blackpool in the summer, but is currently on loan again in the Northern Premier League with Warrington Rylands.

Blackpool striker Jake Daniels, 19, insists he wants to be known as ‘more than just a gay footballer’… as he opens up about life after coming out and loan in non-league football

Jake Daniels (pictured above on Instagram) became the first openly gay professional footballer in the UK since Justin Fashanu in 1990, when he went public with his sexuality in May 2022.

He sat down for an interview with swimmer Michael Gunning (right) as part of a new documentary

He sat down for an interview with swimmer Michael Gunning (right) as part of a new documentary

Blackpool striker Daniels is determined to be known as much more than

Blackpool striker Daniels is determined to be known as more than just ‘the gay footballer’.

“People only really know me now as a gay footballer, so now it’s about me putting myself out there on the pitch and proving that I’m a good footballer,” Daniels told former international swimmer Michael Gunning at a news Aerial sports documentary, broadcast Monday evening.

“Since coming out there was a point where things weren’t going so well, 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 get the opportunity to go out on loan. It really made a difference. I got my confidence back.

“I did well and it gave me the opportunity to have another year at Blackpool, so I think it’s time to start now and prove where I should be.”

Daniels admits he was overwhelmed by the support he received when he first came out, receiving messages on social media from Prince William and Harry Kane, as well as a phone call from Elton John.

“I thought I was going to get a lot of hate and it’s been completely different, which I’m very grateful for,” he said. “Everyone has been so loving.

“I feel like it was so much better that I came out at a very young age. I could no longer hide it and it could have put my career at risk due to mental health issues.

The 19-year-old footballer is currently on loan at non-league club Warrington Rylands 1906.

The 19-year-old footballer is currently on loan at non-league club Warrington Rylands 1906.

Gary Lineker and Rio Ferdinand were among those who supported Daniels in 2022

Gary Lineker and Rio Ferdinand were among those who supported Daniels in 2022

“Coming out could put my career at risk depending on what country I move to or what team I play for. But I hope it’s the best thing I’ve done. That’s what it feels like.

“I always get messages from people and their parents. Seeing moms message me saying, ‘My son just told me he was gay because of what you did,’ it’s an inspiring feeling.’

However, despite such a positive reaction to his news so far, Daniel is worried about how he would behave in front of a large crowd if he were the victim of abuse.

“If I get the chance to play in front of 20,000 to 30,000 fans, will I be able to handle the pressure of that?” he said. “Maybe if someone shouts something at me, I’ll be able to handle it?”

“There will be many more challenges along the way that I will need to be able to overcome to improve my career.”

Outside of football, Daniels has gained widespread public notoriety, appearing in Vogue magazine and on the cover of Attitude, as well as being part of a L’Oréal campaign.

“It’s been crazy,” he added. “Vogue was my first shoot, but I love doing them now. It’s a hobby I enjoy getting involved in.

Daniels won the 'Gamechanger' Attitude Award since coming out as gay

Off the field, Daniels has appeared in Vogue magazine and on the cover of Attitude (above).

“If I wasn’t a footballer, I would like to go down the modeling route. But football comes first.

Watch Michael Gunning’s interview with Jake Daniels on Beneath The Surface on Sky Sports Football on Monday evening at 7pm