Australian footballer Josh Cavallo has come out about as gay. The player features for Adelaide United, and the message was released by the club’s social account. He released a video titled Josh’s Truth accompanied by a message on his personal social media account.
“I’m a footballer and I’m gay,” Cavallo said in the emotional video. “All I want to do is play football and be treated equally.
“I know there are other players living in silence,” the 21-year-old added. “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.”
“Being a gay closeted footballer, I’ve had to learn to mask my feelings in order to fit the mold of a professional footballer,” Cavallo wrote. “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 is the only male professional top-flight football player that is openly gay. Former A-League player Andy Brennan also came out as gay in 2019. Brennan was the first football player to come out as gay while actively playing for a club.
“Adelaide United, not only as a football club, but as the embodiment of an inclusive community, supports a remarkable and brave person.
We stand alongside Josh for proudly being true to himself and will continue to love and support him as a member of our beautifully diverse family,” said the club in an official statement.
