Men’s football has long been seen as a space of intense competition, camaraderie, and passion—but for LGBTQ+ players, it remains an environment fraught with hostility and exclusion. Josh Cavallo, the Australian footballer who came out publicly as gay in 2021, has been at the forefront of confronting this reality. Since his announcement, he has endured daily death threats and abusive messages on social media, yet continues to use his platform to advocate for inclusion, equality, and change within the sport.
Facing Hostility Head-On
Cavallo, now 25, was playing for Adelaide United when he became the only openly gay top-flight male professional footballer in the world. Despite the support of teammates, coming out brought immediate challenges. “When I first saw these messages it broke my heart,” Cavallo told BBC Sport. “No-one wants to read things like that. I’m trying to get better as a player and be the best I can be on the pitch, and then get put down because of who I am as a person. It’s disgusting.”
The abuse Cavallo has faced goes beyond online trolling. On one occasion, he was physically attacked at a petrol station in Australia by someone who recognized him. “That was a scary moment. I remember thinking, ‘this is real—people want to harm me’,” he recalls. Such experiences illustrate the real-world dangers that LGBTQ+ athletes can face, even in countries perceived as progressive.
Creating Visibility and Community
Despite these challenges, Cavallo has remained steadfast in his mission to promote inclusion. This summer, he moved to Peterborough Sports in England, a non-league club competing in the National League North. While the crowds are smaller, around 400 spectators, the environment is supportive, providing Cavallo with a space where he can be himself off the pitch as well as on it.
Peterborough Sports owner Tim Woodward emphasized the club’s commitment to Cavallo’s wellbeing: “It wasn’t about picking the club playing at the highest level. It was about finding a club where he was going to be comfortable. Our fans have really taken to Josh whenever he has played, and we have systems in place to protect him should anything happen.”
Beyond football, Cavallo leverages his social media presence—over one million Instagram followers—to champion LGBTQ+ issues. By speaking openly about his experiences, he has inspired a new generation of players to consider authenticity and visibility as acts of courage.
Impact on the Game and Future Generations
Cavallo’s decision to come out has had a ripple effect. In 2022, 17-year-old Jake Daniels of Blackpool followed suit, becoming the UK’s only openly gay active male professional footballer. Cavallo believes that if a Premier League player were to come out, it would “move mountains” for inclusion, though he warns of the “scary things” such a player could face in a hostile environment.
The broader issue remains entrenched in men’s football. Cavallo points to persistent toxic masculinity, noting that the culture around the game often creates a “very toxic place” for openly gay players. Despite progress in some areas, he emphasizes that many countries—especially those hosting major football events—still criminalize same-sex relationships, creating additional barriers for LGBTQ+ athletes.
Challenging Global Homophobia
Cavallo has been vocal about football’s global responsibility regarding LGBTQ+ inclusion. He criticized FIFA for holding tournaments in countries where homosexuality is illegal, including Qatar in 2022 and Saudi Arabia in 2034. “It’s scary. I get messages from people saying, ‘I’m about to be put in prison for being who I am—can you help me?’ It breaks my heart,” he explains.
His advocacy demonstrates the intersection of sports and human rights. Football, as the world’s most popular sport, carries influence far beyond stadiums. Cavallo’s visibility challenges entrenched prejudices and encourages governing bodies, clubs, and fans to consider the safety, dignity, and rights of all players.
Mental Health and Personal Resilience
The personal toll of being openly gay in men’s football cannot be understated. Cavallo speaks candidly about the mental health challenges he has faced due to abuse and threats. “A lot of people see me as a smiling, positive person. But there are days when I lean on my fiancé, Leighton, and he gets to see a lot that happens behind the scenes,” he shares.
His openness about mental health struggles is itself a form of advocacy, normalizing discussions around the emotional burden that discrimination imposes on players. It also highlights the importance of supportive environments, both at home and within clubs, for LGBTQ+ athletes.
Looking Forward
Despite the hostility and challenges, Cavallo remains committed to using his platform to effect change. His move to Peterborough Sports, positive reception by teammates and fans, and ongoing campaigns for LGBTQ+ inclusion underscore a broader vision: creating a safe, inclusive space within football for everyone, regardless of sexuality.
“I can only keep pushing for what I think is right and work towards taking out the toxic masculinity in football changing rooms and creating a safe space,” he says. “My purpose is to create change. That’s what I’m here for.”
Cavallo’s journey reflects both the progress made and the work still required to make men’s football inclusive. By sharing his story, challenging norms, and advocating for others, he is paving the way for a future where players can excel for their talent rather than endure scrutiny for their identity.
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