In this picture taken Nov. 17, 2007 Germany's Thomas Hitzlsperger goes with the ball during the Group D Euro 2008 qualifying soccer match between Germany and Cyprus in Hannover, northern Germany. Former Germany midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger announced he is gay on Wednesday Jan. 8, 2014, becoming likely the most prominent footballer yet to break a long-standing taboo within the sport. Hitzlsperger says in an interview given to Die Zeit newspaper, “I am expressing my sexuality because I want to promote the discussion of homosexuality among professional athletes.” The 31-year-old says he felt now was the right time, four months after retirement following a career in England, Italy and Germany, to approach a subject he feels is “simply ignored.” (AP Photo/Joerg Sarbach)