Jake Daniels

The UK’s First Openly LGBT+ Male Footballer in over 30 years, Professional Footballer for Blackpool & Named Blackpool’s youth player of the season in 2020-21

Jake Daniels’s Biography:

Jake Daniels is a professional footballer for Blackpool and widely recognised as the UK’s first openly LGBT+ male footballer in over 30 years. Jake’s impact extends far beyond the pitch, positioning him as a powerful and influential speaker on inclusion, courage and authenticity in elite sport. His decision to publicly share his sexuality marked a defining moment in football, earning widespread praise from senior public figures and global audiences. As a speaker, Jake brings a rare combination of lived experience, resilience and visibility, offering organisations meaningful insight into creating inclusive environments.

Jake’s football journey began in Blackpool’s youth system, where he quickly established himself as a standout talent. Known for his goal-scoring ability and composure under pressure, he scored 30 goals in his first year and earned the club’s Youth Player of the Season award. Progressing through the ranks, he entered the U18 squad before signing his first professional contract with Blackpool. He went on to make his senior debut against Peterborough United, demonstrating his readiness to compete at a higher level while continuing to develop as a promising young athlete.

Jake’s influence has been recognised across both sport and society. Following his public announcement of his sexuality, he received praise from figures including Prince William, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson and England captain Harry Kane. His contribution to diversity and inclusion was further acknowledged when he was shortlisted for Celebrity of the Year at the National Diversity Awards. This recognition highlights his role in challenging long-standing barriers within professional football and inspiring wider societal change.

Beyond his playing career, Jake continues to use his platform to advocate for inclusion, mental wellbeing and representation. His story resonates with diverse audiences, from corporate organisations to educational institutions, offering practical perspectives on fostering inclusive cultures. Jake’s openness and authenticity make him a compelling speaker, capable of driving meaningful conversations around identity, acceptance and leadership in modern workplaces.

Why Hire Jake Daniels?

Jake delivers impactful and thought-provoking talks that centre on inclusion, visibility and personal courage within high-performance environments. Drawing from his experience as a professional athlete navigating public scrutiny, he provides audiences with a grounded understanding of resilience and authenticity. His story sparks important conversations around workplace inclusion and psychological safety, helping organisations reflect on their culture. Jake’s ability to connect with audiences through honesty and lived experience ensures lasting engagement, making him a valuable speaker for events focused on diversity, leadership and cultural change.

Jake Daniels’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Jake Daniels’s remarkable career in advocacy and diversity:

• 2025 – Made over 30 appearances and scored 5 goals during a loan spell at Warrington Rylands, including multiple man of the match performances
• 2025 – Departed Blackpool following the conclusion of his professional contract, entering the next phase of his career
• 2022 – Shortlisted for Celebrity of the Year at the National Diversity Awards for contributions to inclusion
• 2022 – Publicly came out, becoming the UK’s first openly LGBT+ male footballer in over 30 years
• 2022 – Signed his first professional contract with Blackpool Football Club
• 2022 – Made his senior debut for Blackpool against Peterborough United
• 2021 – Progressed into Blackpool’s U18 team as part of the club’s development pathway
• 2020 – Named Blackpool Youth Player of the Season following standout performances
• 2020 – Scored 30 goals in his first year within Blackpool’s youth setup