Josh Cavallo, football’s first openly gay professional player, has revealed he receives death threats on a daily basis.
The Adelaide United midfielder made history when he came out in 2021 at the age of 21.
Despite inspiring others to follow in his footsteps, however, Cavallo continues to face shocking abuse.
The 25-year-old Australian has spoken candidly about the challenges LGBTQ+ players face in the sport.
Josh Cavallo, football’s first openly gay professional player, has revealed he receives death threats on a daily basis
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His journey highlights the progress made and the significant work still needed in football.
Cavallo came out in a video shared on Adelaide United’s social media channels, stating he no longer wanted to “live a double life”.
“All I want to do is play football and be treated equally,” he said at the time.
The left-sided midfielder joined Adelaide United in 2021 after spells with Western United and Melbourne City.
In 2024, Cavallo announced his engagement to fiancé Leighton Morrell after proposing at Adelaide United’s Copper Stadium.
Football star Josh Cavallo plays for Adelaide United in Australia
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His personal milestone came amid continued challenges in his professional life.
Speaking on FIFPRO’s Footballer’s Unfiltered podcast, Cavallo opened up about the abuse he faces.
“There’s multiple, multiple, multiple death threats that come my way daily still. And it’s quite sad to see,” he 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 being accepted in this space.”
Cavallo has previously shared examples of the abuse he receives on social media.
He posted offensive comments with a warning, saying: “I apologise in advance for the next slide ahead.”
“We are in 2023 and this behaviour can be more harmful than you think,” he wrote.
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“Two years on from my coming out journey and I go through my everyday life being reminded how people wish me dead.”
He directly challenged social media companies, stating: “To all you social media platforms, all I have to say to you is do better.”
Despite the negativity, Cavallo told the podcast he wishes he had come out earlier.
“I was tired of being hidden and tired of having to go around and hide from people and not live my authentic self,” he explained.
Josh Cavallo got engaged to his partner Leighton Morrell after proposing at Adelaide United’s Copper Stadium in 2024
“And then I would be like why hasn’t this happened in football? Why hasn’t no one ever come out to be themselves and be successful and play?”
His bravery has inspired others to follow suit, including Blackpool’s Jake Daniels who later came out publicly.
“It’s difficult to say to people, ‘Absolutely, come out, be yourself’,” Cavallo admitted.
“But it also comes with a mountain of downsides as well that I don’t think people realise.”
