Being Gay in Professional Soccer: A Toxic Environment

“You don't belong on this earth” ... “Why are you here?” ... “Don't take another breath.”

Since revealing he was gay in 2021, player Josh Cavallo has received daily death threats and abusive messages on social media.

“When I first saw these messages, it broke my heart,” the player states. “Nobody should have to endure such words.

“I'm trying to get better as a player and be the best I can be on the pitch, and then face criticism because of who I am. It's disgusting.”

Midfielder the sportsman was at Adelaide United back in 2020 when he became the only openly gay top-flight male professional footballer in the world.

This summer he left Australia to join lower-tier club Peterborough Sports, who compete before audiences of about 400 in the sixth division, the sixth tier of the English soccer system.

This young athlete balances his sports career for the semi-professional team by advocating for inclusion matters and using his profile - boasting over a million followers on Instagram - to champion equality and inclusion.

“Absolutely, there's enormous work ahead,” Cavallo says when questioned about ongoing issues with discrimination.

“I don't go more than a week without hearing about an issue.”

‘People want to harm me’

Several years passed for the athlete to work up the courage to say “I'm gay” before revealing his sexuality on 27 October 2021.

“My only desire is compete in soccer and receive fair treatment,” he said in an related clip.

Cavallo was twenty-one and building his reputation at his Australian club in the premier division when, with the support of his team-mates, he publicly came out.

“I didn't know what was ahead. I had no expectations,” he says. “The moment seemed appropriate in my life. I needed to move forward.”

The heartfelt revelation clip, titled ‘His Personal Story’, gained massive attention on social media.

“My phone was flooded with messages of support. It was overwhelming.”

A prominent club were among numerous famous teams around the world to express support for Cavallo, with the coach at the time Jurgen Klopp saying: “I appreciate that he took this step because it sparks conversation.”

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique also expressed backing, posting online that “the world of football is lagging behind and you are helping us move forward”, while his former club released a comment backing their “remarkable” and “brave” player.

Some people, however, were not so accepting.

Cavallo soon turned into a subject to homophobic abuse by rival supporters.

In January 2022 Melbourne Victory were penalized A$5,000 over discriminatory chants from spectators aimed toward the player during a match.

“The comments I encountered were hurtful and derogatory towards LGBTQ people,” he says.

“I remained calm because responding would encourage detractors.”

A scary event occurred at a petrol station in Australia, where the athlete was physically attacked by someone who recognised him from the coverage.

“It was terrifying,” he remembers. “I remember thinking ‘this is happening - people want to harm me’.

“Is it acceptable? Definitely not. But by coming out, these are the consequences.

“My wish is that the next person who comes out while playing football at a high level won't face the path I have experienced.”

The player says the daily death threats and hostile communications have affected his mental health.

“It's disappointing because I am having to explain why I deserve a place on the football field for my identity,” he says.

“Heterosexual players aren't questioned and ask ‘what gives you the right in football?’.

“A lot of people see me as a smiling, optimistic person. But sometimes when I lean on my fiance, Leighton, and he gets to see much of what occurs privately.”

‘Top-tier athlete revealing orientation would create waves’

Cavallo's decision to disclose his orientation helped prompt teenage attacking player Jake Daniels to announce he was gay as the UK's only openly gay playing soccer professional in spring 2022.

Nevertheless, there are no openly gay or bisexual players in the Premier League.

“It would create massive change,” comments the footballer on the impact a Premier League player revealing their orientation would have.

“But I must be honest. Numerous frightening aspects that would await this individual. Within soccer culture, being an openly gay player is a very toxic place.”

Over two decades after a pioneering player - the UK's initial out soccer professional - took his own life in 1998, the current athlete has spoken about the “toxic masculinity” that persists in professional soccer.

“You just need to go to a match and observe the unfriendly atmosphere and male-dominated culture that the audience creates,” he explains.

“Much remains to be done to make sure there is a safe space in football for individuals like me and Jake.

“We haven't seen it (more players coming out) as much as we would like.

“My role is to continue advocating for principles I believe in, and work towards taking out the toxic masculinity in football changing rooms and creating a safe space.”

‘I'm here to create change’

Cavallo says soccer has allowed him to have conversations within team environments about coming out.

However, he is disapproving toward Fifa, after the Middle Eastern nation, where same-sex relationships are illegal, staged the global tournament in 2022.

The 2034 tournament will be held in Saudi Arabia, where same-sex attraction is also illegal.

“Am I impressed that the global championship is in nations that criminalise same-sex marriages, where individuals like myself will be put in prison for just existing on their territory? It's scary,” states the athlete.

“I get messages [from people living in these countries] saying ‘I'm about to be put in prison for my identity - can you help me?’.

“It's devastating that people are getting locked up for being who they are.

“Certain nations that are significant soccer markets and they reject LGBTQ+ people. Those are the countries that often focus on me.”

Nevertheless, the footballer says he won't cease advocating.

“Football has allowed me to start conversations in the changing room. It has allowed me to speak and educate people who want to learn more.

“Some will disapprove for your identity. But I have found my family. I have found my community.

“My mission is to drive progress. That's what I'm here for.”