Adelaide United’s Josh Cavallo made global headlines last year, now he has a new award

He made global headlines last year when he came out as the only openly gay male player in world football. Now he’s received an “overwhelming” honour.

The hard-won life message from Adelaide United player Josh Cavallo to a 2022 graduating class at Flinders University was simple: “Be true to yourself and everything will be just fine’’.

Cavallo stood before the students at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Wednesday, after becoming an Honorary Doctor of the University. An award given in recognition of the global impact Cavallo, 22, made last year when he came out as the only openly gay male professional footballer in the world.

Cavallo, who said he concentrated more on football than study while at Melbourne’s Salesian College, said he was “overwhelmed’ at becoming an honorary doctor.

“It’s really exciting to be able to represent Adelaide United Football Club and just see how much I’ve impacted the community, it’s just taking my breath away,’’ he said.

Flinders University presented Josh Cavallo with an Honorary Award of a Doctor of the University. Picture Matt Turner.

Cavallo, who will play for the Reds in a knockout final against the Central Coast Mariners on Sunday, said he was enjoying his new status as a trailblazer and that by telling his story he could help others struggling with their identity.

“It‘s something that I’m not used to but I’m embracing it all,’’ he said.

Flinders Uni vice chancellor Colin Stirling said the organisation awarded its honorary degrees to people who had “changed lives’’.

“Recipients of the Doctor of the University come from all walks of life and have made their mark through contributions that have made genuine impact. That is absolutely true of Josh Cavallo.’’

Originally published as Adelaide United’s Josh Cavallo made global headlines last year, now he has a new award