Adelaide United youngster Josh Cavallo comes out as gay as he pushes for football to 'evolve'

Josh Thomas

Adelaide United youngster Josh Cavallo comes out as gay as he pushes for football to 'evolve' image

Adelaide United's Josh Cavallo has become the first active A-League Men's player to come out as gay. 

The 21-year-old, who previously played for Western United, is one of very few male footballers around the world to make to make the announcement while still playing. 

Former Newcastle Jets attacker Andy Brennan was one of the first Australian footballers to come out when he did so in 2019 while playing in Victoria's National Premier Leagues. 

Cavallo's decision to come out publicly was centred around encouraging others to be more open and accepting of themselves and their sexuality. 

"Today, I'm ready to speak about something personal that I'm finally comfortable to talk about in my life," Cavallo posted on Twitter.

"I am proud to publicly announce that I am gay. It's been a journey to get to this point in my life, but I couldn't be happier with my decision to come out. I have been fighting my sexuality for over six years now, and I'm glad I can put that to rest.

"For the people that know me personally, you'll know I'm a private person. Growing up, I always felt the need to hide myself because I was ashamed. Ashamed I would never be able to do what I loved and be gay.

"Hiding who I truly am, to pursue a dream I always wished for as a kid, to play football and be treated equally never felt like a reality.


"Being a gay closeted footballer, I've had to learn to mask my feelings in order to fit the mould of a professional footballer. Growing up being gay and playing football were just two worlds that hadn't crossed paths before. I've lived my life assuming that this was a topic never to be spoken about.

"In football, you only have a small window to achieve greatness, and coming out publicly may have a negative impact on a career. As a gay footballer, I know there are other players living in silence. I want to help change this, to show that everyone is welcome in the game of football, and deserves the right to be their authentic self.

"It is astonishing to know that there are currently no gay professional footballers who are out and actively playing, not only in Australia, but around the world. 

"Hopefully this will change in the near future. I hope that in sharing who I am, I can show others who identify as LGBTQ+ that they are welcome in the football community.

"As the game of football keeps expanding, I want to help evolve the game even further, and let other players in my situation feel that they're not alone.

"Those who already knew this about me have met me with love and support every step of the way. I'm incredibly thankful for this support.

"To my family and friends - thank you, especially Tommy and David for making it possible for me to say proudly and publicly that I'm gay. To my Adelaide United family, thank you for greeting me with the utmost respect and acceptance. I'm incredibly grateful. 

"Happy Pride and go United!" 

Cavallo has quickly received support on social media for coming out with Matildas star Sam Kerr tweeting her support of his decision

Sydney FC veteran Alex Wilkinson also praised Cavallo's bravery in stepping forward. 

“It’s fantastic that Josh has found our sport and his club to be a safe place to share his sexuality," Wilkinson said via a PFA statement.

"Despite progress made in sport and society, it takes a huge amount of courage to come out."

Josh Thomas