Ex-footballer Claims Many Top European Players Hide Their Sexuality

A retired footballer, known for being the first openly gay male player in Germany, has revealed that many gay players across Europe’s top leagues are disguising their sexuality through arrangements like fake girlfriends and marriages.

Marcus Urban, who came out publicly in 2007, now advocates for LGBTQ+ rights in sports. He suggests that despite societal progress, many players remain closeted due to their own fears rather than media or fan pressure. Urban believes that there are gay couples within the Bundesliga, but they choose to stay silent because of personal apprehensions.

He further claims that organized efforts such as fake relationships, fake marriages, and even sex encounter agencies are prevalent within professional football. These arrangements are sometimes orchestrated by players’ agents, who profit from such schemes.

Urban expressed hope that someday openly gay footballers will feel free to come out. He referenced plans last year for several players across Germany to publicly reveal their sexuality, which ultimately did not happen, citing advice from close advisors warning against it.

Currently, no openly gay players compete in the Premier League, although Jake Daniels of Blackpool became the first in years to do so in 2021. Urban emphasizes that many players face significant obstacles when contemplating disclosure, hindered by those around them who are motivated by money and status.

Marcus Urban, the first footballer to come out as gay in Germany, claims players in Europe are organizing fake relationships to hide their sexuality

Urban believes gay couples are present in Bundesliga but are hiding due to fears

Comments from Urban are from a forthcoming book by Swiss broadcaster Andreas Boni