Adelaide United midfielder Josh Cavallo, the first openly gay active male footballer, has spoken out about the relentless abuse he faces daily, revealing that he receives multiple death threats every day.
Cavallo, who came out in October 2021, said that despite support from his club and coaches, the wider football world remains a hostile place for LGBTQ+ players.
Speaking on FIFPRO’s Footballers Unfiltered podcast, he described the sport as “toxic” for openly gay athletes.
“There are multiple, multiple, multiple death threats that come my way daily still, and it’s quite sad to see,” Cavallo said.
“In the world of football, being an openly gay player is a very toxic place. It’s something that not everyone would be able to handle and go through.”
“I still think we’re a very, very long way from acceptance in this space.”
The 24-year-old Australian has been vocal about homophobic abuse in football, previously calling out discriminatory chants from crowds.
However, he admitted that the pressure and negativity associated with coming out could deter other players from doing the same.
“It’s difficult to say to people, ‘Absolutely, come out, be yourself, but it also comes with a mountain of downsides as well that I don’t think people realise,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Cavallo said having a strong support network has helped him build resilience.
Looking back, he admitted he wished he had come out earlier, rather than waiting until he was 21.
“I was tired of being hidden and tired of having to go around and hide from people and not live my authentic self,” he said.
“And then I would be like, why hasn’t this happened in football? Why hasn’t anyone ever come out to be themselves and be successful? And I understand that now, looking back—all the negativity, all the things that come your way.”
