World horrified by history-making Aussie footballer’s death threats

The Australian footballer that made headlines around the globe for revealing his private life has lifted the lid on a heartbreaking development.

Football’s first openly gay star has shared a heartbreaking insight on “toxic” fans, claiming: “I get multiple death threats every day.”

Australian Josh Cavallo made headlines around the world in 2021 when he became the first-ever professional footballer to come out as gay, The Sun reports.

The 25-year-old was hailed as “brave” by fans as he declared: “I’m tired of this double life, it’s exhausting.”

And last year he got engaged to his partner with an incredible proposal on the pitch.

The Adelaide United midfielder previously revealed he has received homophobic abuse during matches.

And now, the A-League star has lifted the lid on the horrific threats he receives on a daily basis.

Josh Cavallo features on the Footballers Unfiltered podcast. Photo: X.

Joshua Cavallo against Melbourne Victory. Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images.

Cavallo declared that he has received numerous vile messages, with some even wishing death upon him.

And he has warned other players who are thinking of coming out to brace themselves for a “mountain of downsides.”

Cavallo told FIFPRO’S Footballers Unfiltered podcast: “In the world of football, being an openly gay player is a very toxic place.

“It’s something that not everyone would be able to handle and go through. I still think we’re a very, very long way of being accepted in this space.

“So these are factors that people will consider in their coming out and they might not be out now, but coming out brings all this attention, pressure and negativity that will affect their game in the long run.

“It’s difficult to say to people, ‘Absolutely, come out, be yourself’. But it also comes with a mountain of downsides as well that I don’t think people realise.”

Despite receiving abuse, Cavallo regrets not coming out sooner.

He added: “I was tired of being hidden and of having to go around and hide from people and not live my authentic self.

“And then I would be like, why hasn’t this happened in football? Why hasn’t no one ever come out to be themselves and be successful and play?

“And I understand that now looking back, all the negativity, all the things that come your way.”

— This story originally appeared on The Sun and has been republished with permission

Originally published as World horrified by history-making Aussie footballer’s death threats