‘I want to let other players feel they are not alone’: Young Socceroo comes out as gay

Young Socceroo Josh Cavallo has received overwhelming support after revealing he is gay in an emotional post on social media.

The 21-year-old Adelaide United midfielder took the brave step to announce himself as the first openly gay male player in the A-League by penning a letter on Twitter and releasing a video through the club’s channels.

After years of feeling he had to hide who he was while pursuing a career in football, Cavallo decided to open up, citing a desire to be true to who he was and a need to help create a safer environment for other gay athletes to be themselves free from discrimination.

“Today, I’m ready to speak about something personal that I’m finally comfortable to talk about in my life,” he wrote. “I am proud to publicly announce that I am gay.

“It’s been a journey to get to this point in my life, but I couldn’t be happier with my decision.”

The late English striker Justin Fashanu became the first male player to come out in 1990. Australian Andy Brennan revealed he was gay while playing in the semi-professional NPL in Victoria three years ago, while former EPL star Thomas Hitzlsperger came out only after retirement.

That there are no current openly gay fully professional male players was something Cavallo wanted to change. Collin Martin, who revealed he was gay in 2018, plays for San Diego Loyal in the semi-professional USL Championship.

“It is astonishing to know that there are currently no gay professional footballers who are out and actively playing, not only in Australia but around the world,” he said. “Hopefully this will change in the near future. As the game of football keeps expanding, I want to help evolve the game even further and let other players in my situation feel that they are not alone.”

The public response has been one of widespread praise and support. Football Australia and the A-Leagues immediately posted messages of support for the midfielder. In the hours after his announcement, Cavallo received praise from players past and present, other athletes and senior politicians.

“Any young person who is struggling with their identity, or feeling excluded or judged, can look today to Josh Cavallo,” Labor senator Penny Wong said. “Thank you for your courage Josh. For reminding all that we are strong and we are here. And we are united.”

Former Socceroo Craig Foster tweeted: “No one should have to hide who they are and the ball doesn’t care about colour, race, religion, gender, sexuality. Just how you play. That should be life.”

The news comes four months after Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib became the first active NFL player to say he is gay.

“I just wanted to take a quick moment to say that I’m gay,” Nassib said in a video message from his home in Pennsylvania in June. “I’ve been meaning to do this for a while now, but I finally feel comfortable enough to get it off my chest.”

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