Josh Cavallo has received widespread support after becoming the first Australian soccer player to come out as gay and is currently the only footballer in the world that is out and playing in a professional football league.
The 21-year-old Adelaide United player made the announcement on his social media today with four purposely placed images explaining how he has agonised over the decision for more than six years to get to this stage today.
Born in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, Cavallo has represented Australia at under-20 level, the midfielder signed a two-year contract extension with Adelaide United in May this year.
“Today I’m ready to speak about something personal that I’m finally comfortable to talk about in my life,” Cavallo started on his social media.
“I am proud to publicly announce 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 to come out. I have been fighting my sexuality for over 6 years now, and I’m glad I can put that to rest.”
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Cavallo went on to say that he was ashamed growing up because he hid who he truly was and could never be gay and play the game he loves.
“Being a gay closeted footballer, I’ve had to learn to mask my feelings in order to fit the mould of a professional footballer. Growing up being gay and playing football were just two worlds that hadn’t crossed paths before. I’ve lived my life assuming that this was a topic never to be spoken about,” he said.
“In football, you only have a small window to achieve greatness, and coming out publicly may have a negative impact on a career. As a gay footballer, I know there are other players living in silence.
“I want to help change this, to show that everyone is welcome in the game of football, and deserves the right to be their authentic self.”
Cavallo said he found it “astonishing” to know there were currently no gay professional footballers out and actively playing, not only in Australia, but around the world.
Cavallo’s football club Adelaide United has also posted a video on their social media which shows Cavallo sitting down at his home speaking to the camera with the simple words, “I am a footballer and I am proud to be gay.”
Josh’s Truth pic.twitter.com/NKSEP2kVWV
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) October 27, 2021
The announcement has received widespread support from across the world and particularly from Cavallo’s teammates and friends.
Last Updated on Oct 27, 2021
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