Josh Cavallo, the first openly gay male professional footballer, has revealed that he continues to receive “multiple, multiple, multiple death threats” every day simply for being out in the world of football.
Speaking on FIFPRO’s Footballers Unfiltered podcast, the 25-year-old Adelaide United midfielder and defender described the ongoing hostility he faces.
“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,” Cavallo shared.
“We’re still a very, very long way off from being fully accepted in this space.”
The Pressure of Being a Trailblazer
Cavallo, who came out publicly over three years ago, made history as the first active openly gay male footballer. While his bravery has inspired many, it has also made him a target for homophobic abuse.
“These are factors that people will consider in their coming out,” he said. “It brings all this attention, all this pressure, all this negativity that will affect their game.”
Despite the challenges, Cavallo has remained vocal about fighting for LGBTQ+ inclusion in football. In December 2023, he called on social media platforms to take stronger action against homophobic abuse after receiving violent threats online.
Breaking Barriers and Finding Love
Cavallo’s journey hasn’t been easy, but he refuses to let hate define his career or personal life.
In March 2023, he got engaged to electrician Leighton Morrell, proposing on the pitch at Adelaide United’s Coopers Stadium in a heartwarming moment of visibility for LGBTQ+ athletes.
Additionally, he has announced plans to open an LGBTQ+-inclusive hotel in Bali, aiming to create safe spaces for queer travellers and athletes alike.
Football’s Long Road to Inclusion
While progress has been made, Cavallo’s experience highlights how much work remains to combat homophobia in professional football.
His message to aspiring LGBTQ+ players? Visibility is powerful, but the fight for acceptance is far from over.
