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 forward became the first openly gay professional footballer in the UK since Justin Fashanu in 1990 when he made his sexuality public 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 landmark announcement.
The 19-year-old spent the end of last season on loan at Bradford Park Avenue in the seventh-tier Northern Premier League.
Daniels was awarded a new one-year contract with Blackpool in the summer but is currently out on loan again in the Northern Premier League with Warrington Rylands.
Jake Daniels (pictured above on Instagram) became the first openly gay professional footballer in the UK since Justin Fashanu in 1990 when he made his sexuality public in May 2022
He sat for an interview with swimmer Michael Gunning (right) as part of a new documentary
Blackpool forward Daniels is determined to be known as more than just 'the gay footballer'
‘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,’ Daniels told former international swimmer Michael Gunning on a new Sky Sports documentary, which airs on Monday night.
‘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 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, and a phone 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 said. ‘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.
The 19-year-old footballer is currently on loan with non-league club Warrington Rylands 1906
Gary Lineker and Rio Ferdinand were among those to post in support of Daniels back in 2022
‘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.’
However, despite such a positive reaction to his news so far, Daniel does have concerns about how he would cope in front of a big crowd if he does receive abuse.
‘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 said. ‘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.’
Outside of football, Daniels has gained a huge public profile, featuring in Vogue magazine and on the cover of Attitude, as well as being part of a L’Oreal campaign.
‘It’s been crazy,’ he added. ‘Vogue was the first shoot I did but I love doing them now. It’s a hobby I like being involved in.
Off the field, Daniels has featured in Vogue magazine and on the cover of Attitude (above)
‘If I wasn’t a footballer, I’d like to go down the modelling route. But the football comes first.’
Watch Michael Gunning’s interview with Jake Daniels on Beneath The Surface on Sky Sports Football on Monday night at 7pm