Josh Cavallo overwhelmed by global support
Adelaide United midfielder Josh Cavallo became the first active A-League player to come out as gay on, saying he was done with the exhaustion of trying to live a 'double-life'.
Adelaide United midfielder Josh Cavallo became the first active A-League player to come out as gay on Wednesday, saying he was done with feeling ashamed about his sexuality and the exhaustion of trying to live a "double-life".
"I'm a footballer and I'm gay," the 21-year-old said on a video posted on Adelaide's social media, drawing support from fellow professionals across the world. "All I want to do is play football and be treated equally."
Few elite male soccer players have come out as gay during their careers. Andy Brennan became the first former A-League player to come out in 2019 when the ex-Newcastle Jet was still playing in a lower tier.
"I'm tired of trying to perform at the best of your ability and to live this double-life, it's exhausting," said Cavallo. "I thought that people would think of me differently when they found out. They would start treating me differently. "They would start saying bad things about me or making fun out of me. That's not the case. If anything you would earn more respect from people."
Global support for Cavallo
Australia's professional players union said it was a "wonderful moment" for him, the sport and "the LGBTI+ community" and Cavallo's fellow professionals also offered support.
The world of football also rallied beside Cavallo with high profile players such as Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann, Barcelona defender Gerard Pique and Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimoivioc all taking to Twitter to offer their admiration amd support for the Australian.
Major clubs too offered their words of support with the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Liverpool and FC Barcelona a few of the many clubs who offered their backing to the player.
Overwhelmed by support
Speaking to Sky Sports Australia the daye after breaking the news, Cavallo said Thursday that he was overwhelmed by the support from around the world after coming out of the closet and becoming the only known gay player in a major league.