Josh Cavallo, a midfielder for Adelaide United, has become a notable figure in the sports world as the first openly gay soccer player. Since publicly coming out in October 2021, he has faced significant challenges. In a recent episode of the podcast “Footballers Unfiltered” with Joe Hart, Cavallo revealed that he receives numerous death threats on a daily basis.
At just 25 years old, Cavallo spoke candidly about the toxic environment in professional football for LGBTQ+ individuals. He expressed that while more players might consider coming out, there is still a long way to go before true acceptance becomes widespread in the sport.
Cavallo emphasized that coming out often brings unwanted attention and pressure that can negatively impact a player’s performance. He described his personal experience, noting how even injuries or other issues on the field are often tied back to his sexuality in the eyes of some.
He stated, “There’s multiple, multiple, multiple death threats that come my way daily still, and it’s quite sad to see.” He acknowledged the difficulty in telling others to be true to themselves while also pointing out the serious downsides that come with such honesty, which many may not fully understand.
Despite these struggles, Cavallo mentioned that he was tired of concealing his identity. He reflected on the importance of living authentically and the pressures that come with being open about one’s identity. He questioned why more athletes hadn’t come out before, understanding now the negativity they might encounter.
Although he faces ups and downs, Cavallo is grateful for his strong support system, which helps him navigate these challenges. He concluded by sharing his sense of freedom since coming out, remarking on his pride in being both a footballer and an openly gay man, and the positive impact of sharing his story.
