Josh Cavallo Opens Up About Daily Death Threats as World’s First Openly Gay Soccer Player
Imagine being a trailblazer in your field, only to be met with a barrage of hate so relentless it makes you question the very progress you’re trying to achieve. Josh Cavallo, the world’s first openly gay male soccer player, is living that reality—and it’s as grim as it sounds. Since coming out in October 2021, the Adelaide United midfielder has faced a daily onslaught of death threats, a stark reminder that the world of professional sports remains a hostile environment for LGBTQ+ athletes.
Cavallo, now 25, recently shared his harrowing experience on FIFPRO’s *Footballers Unfiltered* podcast, hosted by Joe Hart. He described the football world as “a very toxic place” for gay players, emphasizing that the journey toward acceptance is still a long way off. “Coming out brings all this attention, brings all this pressure, brings all this negativity that will affect their game in the long run,” he said, reflecting on the toll it has taken on his mental health and career.
The irony is palpable: Cavallo’s decision to live authentically has made him a target, with critics weaponizing his sexuality against him. “I step onto the field or I get injured or something happens in my football—it’s all got to do with my sexuality,” he lamented. Despite the overwhelming negativity, Cavallo remains steadfast, buoyed by a strong support network and the knowledge that his visibility is paving the way for future generations.
Yet, the cost of that visibility is staggering. “There’s multiple, multiple, multiple death threats that come my way daily still, and it’s quite sad to see,” he revealed. It’s a sobering reminder that progress often comes at a personal price, and for Cavallo, that price is steep.
Despite the challenges, Cavallo has found moments of joy, including his engagement to Leighton Morrell in March 2024. He remains proud of his identity, declaring, “I’m free. I go to bed, I put my head on the pillow and I’m happy I’m Josh Cavallo. I’m the footballer. I’m also the gay footballer.”
And yet, one can’t help but wonder: how many more athletes will have to endure this level of vitriol before the sports world truly evolves?
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine
Image Credit: Title: Untitled, Author: No author info, License: [‘cc_attribute’, ‘cc_nonderived’, ‘cc_publicdomain’]
