Adelaide United midfielder Josh Cavallo, the first openly gay male top-flight professional footballer, has revealed he continues to endure multiple death threats daily despite his historic coming out in 2021. In a candid interview on FIFPRO's Footballers Unfiltered podcast, the 25-year-old Australian described football as a "very toxic place" for LGBTQ+ athletes.

The Dark Reality of Being Openly Gay in Football

• Cavallo stated: "There's multiple, multiple death threats that come my way daily still. And it's quite sad to see."
• He emphasized the "mountain of downsides" that come with coming out, including intense scrutiny and pressure that could negatively impact players' careers.
• "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," he added.

A Watershed Moment That Changed Little

Despite becoming a trailblazer when he came out at age 21, Cavallo admits the sport remains far from inclusive:

• "I still think we're a very, very long way from acceptance in this space."
• His courageous decision inspired others like Blackpool's Jake Daniels (the UK's only openly gay male pro footballer) and Czech Republic's Jakub Jankto.

Turning Negativity Into Motivation

The midfielder, who got engaged to partner Leighton Morrell in 2024, tries to channel the hate:

• "I try to turn death threats into a positive."
• He regrets not coming out earlier: "I was tired of being hidden...not living my authentic self."

The Bigger Picture

Cavallo's experience highlights:

1. The urgent need for cultural change in men's professional sports
2. Why many LGBTQ+ athletes still fear coming out
3. How social media amplifies abuse towards minority players

"These are factors that people will consider in their coming out," Cavallo noted, understanding why many players remain closeted despite growing LGBTQ+ visibility in women's football.

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