🔗 Share this article

“You don't belong on this earth” ... “What are you doing here?” ... “Don't take another breath.”

After announcing his homosexuality in 2021, footballer Josh Cavallo has received daily death threats and hateful comments on online platforms.

“When I first saw these messages, it broke my heart,” the player explains. “No-one wants to read things like that.

“I'm trying to get better as a player and reach my full potential on the pitch, and then face criticism due to my identity. It's appalling.”

Midfielder the sportsman was playing for Adelaide United four years ago when he became the only openly gay top-flight male professional footballer in the world.

Recently he left Australia to sign with lower-tier club Peterborough Sports, who compete before audiences of about 400 in National League North, the sixth tier of the English soccer system.

This young athlete combines playing for the Cambridgeshire part-timers by speaking up on LGBTQ+ issues and using his profile - he has more than one million followers on social media - to champion equality and inclusion.

“Definitely, we've got mountains to do,” Cavallo says when asked if football still has a problem with discrimination.

“I don't go more than a week without encountering problems.”

‘People want to harm me’

It took years for Cavallo to build up the bravery to say “I'm gay” before revealing his sexuality on 27 October 2021.

“All I want to do is compete in soccer and be treated equally,” he stated in an related clip.

The player was 21 and making a name for himself at his Australian club in Australia's top flight when, with the support of his team-mates, he announced his orientation publicly.

“I didn't know what was ahead. I didn't know what to expect,” he recalls. “The moment seemed appropriate in my life. I needed to move forward.”

The heartfelt revelation clip, entitled ‘His Personal Story’, gained massive attention on digital platforms.

“My mobile phone exploded with encouraging words. It was overwhelming.”

Liverpool were one of many high-profile clubs around the world to express support for the player, with the coach at the time Jurgen Klopp saying: “I appreciate that he took this step because now we talk again.”

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique also expressed backing, writing on social media that “the world of football is lagging behind and your actions drive progress”, while his former club released a comment backing their “remarkable” and “brave” player.

Some people, however, were not so accepting.

The footballer soon turned into a target of anti-gay remarks by opposition fans.

During early 2022 a competing team were penalized five thousand dollars over anti-gay abuse from fans directed at Cavallo during a match.

“The things I'd hear were painful and disparaging towards LGBTQ people,” he says.

“I didn't react because responding would encourage detractors.”

There was a frightening incident at a gas station in Australia, where the athlete was physically attacked by someone who recognised him from the coverage.

“It was terrifying,” he recalls. “The thought crossed my mind ‘this is happening - people want to harm me’.

“Is it acceptable? Absolutely not. But by coming out, this is what it brings.

“I hope that the next person who reveals their orientation while playing football at a high level doesn't have to experience the path I have experienced.”

Cavallo says the constant menacing messages and hostile communications have taken a toll on his psychological well-being.

“It's quite sad because I must justify why I belong on the football field for being who I am,” he says.

“Heterosexual players aren't questioned and ask ‘why should you exist in football?’.

“Many individuals see me as a smiling, positive person. But there are days when I rely on my partner, Leighton, and he witnesses much of what occurs behind the scenes.”

‘Top-tier athlete revealing orientation would create waves’

The player's choice to reveal his sexuality helped inspire teenage attacking player another athlete to announce he was gay as the UK's only openly gay playing soccer professional in spring 2022.

However, there are zero publicly LGBTQ athletes in the top English division.

“It would create massive change,” comments the footballer on the impact a Premier League player revealing their orientation would have.

“But I'm not going to sugar-coat it. Numerous frightening aspects that would await this individual. Within soccer culture, identifying as LGBTQ is a highly hostile environment.”

Twenty-seven years after Justin Fashanu - Britain's first openly gay male footballer - took his own life in 1998, Cavallo has spoken about the “harmful male culture” that still exists in professional soccer.

“You just need to go to a match and observe the unfriendly atmosphere and male-dominated culture that the crowd brings,” he says.

“Much remains to be done to ensure there is a safe space in football for individuals like me and Jake.

“We haven't seen it (additional athletes revealing their orientation) as frequently as desired.

“My role is to continue advocating for principles I believe in, and work towards taking out the toxic masculinity in football changing rooms and establishing secure environments.”

‘I'm here to create change’

Cavallo says football has enabled discussions within team environments about coming out.

However, he is disapproving toward Fifa, after Qatar, where homosexual partnerships are illegal, hosted the men's World Cup in 2022.

Future World Cup will be held in another Gulf state, where same-sex attraction is also illegal.

“Do I approve that the global championship is in nations that ban gay unions, where individuals like myself will be put in prison for just existing on that land? It's frightening,” says the athlete.

“I get messages [from residents of such nations] saying ‘I face imprisonment for being who I am - can you help me?’.

“It breaks my heart that people are getting locked up for their true selves.

“There are countries that are significant soccer markets and they don't accept LGBTQ+ people. Those are the countries that tend to target me.”

Nevertheless, Cavallo says he won't cease advocating.

“Football has enabled dialogue in the changing room. It has allowed me to speak and educate people who want to learn more.

“Not everyone is going to like you for your identity. But I have found my family. I've connected with similar people.

“My purpose is to drive progress. That's what I'm here for.”