A footballer has made history after coming out as gay.
Ignacio ‘Nacho’ Lago became the first professional football star in his country to publicly come out as homosexual.
The nippy winger, who plays for Club Atlético Colón in Argentina’s second division, said him and his boyfriend try to “express what we feel”.
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The 23-year-old was filmed reacting to a surprise video message from his partner, Gonzalo, which has recently gone viral and prompted widespread international support.
While the original interview with the club’s media show ‘Sangre y Luto’ last season, the clip has only just gained global traction after circulating on social media.
In the emotional clip, Gonzalo praised the forward for being an “excellent person and an excellent professional” before thanking him for “defending the colours of my city”.
Visibly moved, Ignacio said: “It’s an irrational love, we experience it this way, just like with football.
“We’re obsessed, and we try to express what we feel.”
Historically, South American football has been known for a deep-rooted culture of machismo and homophobia, making the young attacker’s announcement an unprecedented breakthrough for the game in Argentina.
The only other notable example of a player coming out as gay was regional league goalkeeper Nicolás Fernández in 2020.
Ignacio is considered the first at top-tier professional level.
Fans of the second-division side have rallied behind the star player, who previously had a brief spell playing in Mexico.
According to reports, the fan base has largely known about his relationship with Gonzalo for many months.
They’ve continued to support the attacker as he recovers from injury amid the team’s push for promotion to the top flight this year.
Club Atlético Colón are currently top of the Primera Nacional after eight games played of the 2026 season, as reported by Need To Know.
He formed part of the youth academy at Club Almirante Brown.
He made his professional debut on 10 February 2018 at just 15 years of age.
In September 2020, Ignacio potential earned him a transfer to top-flight side Talleres de Córdoba.
Seeking more playing time, he went on loan to Tlaxcala FC in Mexico, where he recorded 16 appearances and scored 5 goals.
He returned to his home country for successful loan spells at San Martín de San Juan and Atlético de Rafaela.
Ignacio joined Colón de Santa Fe on loan and rapidly evolved into a vital pillar of the team, signing a permanent deal last season.
He is recognised as a dynamic winger who can also operate as a second striker.
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