🔗 Share this article

“You don't belong on this earth” ... “What are you doing here?” ... “Stop breathing.”

After announcing his homosexuality in 2021, footballer the athlete has faced constant threats and abusive messages on online platforms.

“When I first saw these messages, I was devastated,” the player explains. “No-one wants to read things like that.

“I'm trying to get better as a player and be the best I can be during matches, and then get put down because of who I am. It's disgusting.”

Player Cavallo was playing for Adelaide United four years ago when he emerged as the sole publicly out elite soccer player in the world.

This summer he left Australia to sign with non-league Peterborough Sports, who compete before audiences of about 400 in the sixth division, the sixth tier of the English soccer system.

The 25-year-old combines playing for the Cambridgeshire part-timers by advocating for LGBTQ+ issues and leveraging his platform - he has more than one million followers on Instagram - to promote fairness and acceptance.

“Definitely, we've got mountains to do,” the footballer says when questioned about ongoing issues with homophobia.

“Rarely a week passes without hearing about an issue.”

‘People want to harm me’

Several years passed for Cavallo to build up the bravery to say “I am homosexual” before revealing his sexuality on 27 October 2021.

“All I want to do is play football and be treated equally,” he stated in an accompanying video.

Cavallo was twenty-one and building his reputation at Adelaide United in the premier division when, with the support of his team-mates, he publicly came out.

“The future was uncertain. I didn't know what to expect,” he says. “The moment seemed appropriate in my life. I wanted to take the next step.”

His emotional coming out video, entitled ‘Josh's Truth’, gained massive attention on digital platforms.

“My phone was flooded with encouraging words. It was overwhelming.”

Liverpool were one of many high-profile clubs around the world to express support for Cavallo, with then manager the German manager saying: “I appreciate that he took this step because it sparks conversation.”

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique also offered support, writing on social media that “the world of football is lagging behind and your actions drive progress”, while Adelaide United issued a statement backing their “remarkable” and “courageous” player.

Others, however, were not so accepting.

The footballer quickly became a target of homophobic abuse by rival supporters.

In January 2022 Melbourne Victory were penalized A$5,000 over discriminatory chants from fans aimed toward the player during a match.

“The things I'd hear were painful and derogatory towards my community,” he explains.

“I remained calm because responding would encourage detractors.”

A scary event occurred at a petrol station in Australia, where the athlete was physically attacked by someone who recognised him from the coverage.

“That was a scary moment,” he recalls. “The thought crossed my mind ‘this is happening - individuals intend to hurt me’.

“Is it acceptable? Absolutely not. But by coming out, these are the consequences.

“I hope that the next person who comes out while competing in soccer at a high level won't face the path I have experienced.”

Cavallo says the constant menacing messages and hostile communications have taken a toll on his mental health.

“It's quite sad because I am having to explain why I deserve a place on the soccer pitch for my identity,” he states.

“We don't sit straight people down and ask ‘what gives you the right in football?’.

“Many individuals see me as a cheerful, optimistic person. But sometimes when I lean on my fiance, Leighton, and he gets to see much of what occurs behind the scenes.”

‘Premier League player coming out would move mountains’

Cavallo's decision to reveal his sexuality helped inspire teenage Blackpool forward Jake Daniels to come out as the Britain's sole publicly out active male professional footballer in spring 2022.

However, there are no openly gay or bisexual players in the top English division.

“It would create massive change,” comments the footballer on the impact a Premier League player revealing their orientation would make.

“But I'm not going to sugar-coat it. There are a lot of scary things that would come this person's way. Within soccer culture, being an openly gay player is a highly hostile environment.”

Twenty-seven years after Justin Fashanu - the UK's initial out soccer professional - died by suicide in 1998, Cavallo has spoken about the “harmful male culture” that still exists in professional soccer.

“You just need to go to a match and observe the hostile environment and masculinity that the crowd brings,” he says.

“Much remains to be done to ensure there is a secure environment in soccer for individuals like me and his colleague.

“Progress has been limited (additional athletes revealing their orientation) as frequently as desired.

“My role is to continue advocating for principles I believe in, and work towards eliminating the toxic masculinity in soccer locker rooms and creating a safe space.”

‘I'm here to create change’

The player says football has enabled discussions within team environments about coming out.

However, he is critical of Fifa, after the Middle Eastern nation, where homosexual partnerships are against the law, hosted the men's World Cup in 2022.

Future World Cup will be held in another Gulf state, where homosexuality is also illegal.

“Do I approve that the global championship is in nations that ban gay unions, where individuals like myself will be imprisoned for just existing on their territory? It's scary,” says Cavallo.

“I get messages [from residents of such nations] saying ‘I face imprisonment for being who I am - is assistance possible?’.

“It breaks my heart that people are getting locked up for being who they are.

“Certain nations that are significant soccer markets and they don't accept LGBTQ+ people. These places that tend to target me.”

Nevertheless, the footballer says he will not stop speaking up.

“Football has allowed me to start conversations in the locker room. It has allowed me to speak and educate people who want to learn more.

“Not everyone is going to like you for who you are. But I have found my family. I have found my community.

“My mission is to drive progress. That's my objective.”