Adelaide United midfielder Josh Cavallo has made history today, becoming the first openly gay male footballer in the top division.
Cavallo announced this news on social media this afternoon.
“Today, I’m ready to speak about something personal that I’m finally comfortable to talk about in my life,” he wrote.
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“I am proud to publicly announce that I’m gay.”
https://twitter.com/JoshuaCavallo/status/1453172151914168320
The 21-year-old previously played for Western United, before moving to the Reds at the start of last season, and joins just a handful of other male footballers around the world to come out publicly. Even fewer did so while still playing.
Former Newcastle Jets midfielder Andy Brennan came out in 2019, and still plays in the Victorian State League, but last played in the A-League two years’ prior to his announcement.
“Growing up, I always felt the need to hide myself because I was ashamed,” Cavallo wrote.
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“Ashamed I would never be able to do what I loved and be gay. Hiding who I truly am, to pursue a dream I always wished for as a kid, to play football and be treated equally never felt like a reality.”
Cavallo’s teammate, Ben Halloran, praised the “great courage” needed to make this announcement.
“Sadly, still very rare in the sporting world for men to come out,” Halloran said.
“I’m happy for Josh that he feels comfortable to open up while being a part of Adelaide United.
“Hopefully Josh’s decision to share this part of himself can inspire others to do the same in the future.”
Across the globe, there are only a handful of openly gay male footballers, and none playing in any of their respective nations’ top leagues.
Thomas Hitzlsperger is probably the most high-profile male player to ever come out. The former Aston Villa, Stuttgart, Lazio, West Ham, Wolfsburg and Everton player retired in 2013 before announcing that he was gay the following year.
“I want to say how proud we are to support Josh on his journey,” said United’s CEO, Nathan Kosmina.
“Today is not only a significant day in Josh’s life, but it is a historic moment for Australian football.
“It is remarkably brave for Josh to share his story and we hope that his leadership and courage will pave the way for more footballers to do the same in the future.”
Head coach Carl Veart said Carvallo was a tremendous young man who shown incredible courage.
“I’m very proud of him. I have nothing but admiration and support for him, as do all the players and coaching staff.”
Pride in Sport – the body that supports Australian sporting organisations and clubs in all aspects of LGBTQ inclusion – issued the following statement.
“Pride in Sport applauds Adelaide United player Josh Cavello for his courage and leadership in sharing his coming out story, via a powerful video released earlier today by his club,” said National Program Manager Beau Newell.
“Cavello, an elite, professional male footballer, is the one of only few elite male athletes in Australia to come out publicly as gay. In the video, he addressed his challenges in coming out to family, friends, teammates, and others across the sporting community, but also the relief and joy he feels for doing so.
“His bravery is to be congratulated and his journey shows the unfortunate reality that many athletes face when they are not able to enjoy the sport they love as their true selves.
“Like Cavallo, many athletes self-edit their existence in sport and expend a good deal of their daily energy on hiding their true self from others. His story highlights the fear that many athletes have in coming out: that they will face potential discrimination, harassment and bullying from those within their sport.”