Football world salutes Josh Cavallo after coming out
Australian footballer Josh Cavallo received an overwhelming outpouring of support after coming out as gay on Wednesday.
"I know there are other players living in silence," he wrote on Twitter. "I want to help change this, to show that everyone ... deserves the right to be their authentic self.
"It's 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," the 21-year-old added. "Hopefully, this will change in the near future. I want to ... let other players in my situation feel that they're not alone."
In becoming the only known openly gay male player currently active in professional football, Cavallo, who plays for Adelaide United in the A-League, was showered with praise and words of encouragement after his watershed announcement.
We stand alongside @JoshuaCavallo for proudly being true to himself and will continue to love and support him as a member of our beautifully diverse family.
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) October 27, 2021
The footballing world is behind you and we wish you all the very best ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
— Premier League (@premierleague) October 27, 2021
Strength & bravery personified here.
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) October 27, 2021
🙌🏽 https://t.co/OlM6EUGvYR
Hey @JoshuaCavallo, I don’t have the pleasure to know you personally but I want to thank you for this step that you take. The world of football is far behind and you are helping us move forward. https://t.co/pe8xdJl15i
— Gerard Piqué (@3gerardpique) October 27, 2021
Be you ... well done Josh, football world is with you👏🏼👏🏼
— Robbie Fowler (@Robbie9Fowler) October 27, 2021
Proud of you @JoshuaCavallo ✊🏼❤️ pic.twitter.com/VRU5Dda0s8
— Antoine Griezmann (@AntoGriezmann) October 27, 2021
Huge respect, Josh ❤️
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 27, 2021
We, and millions of others, are inspired by your bravery and strength 🏳️🌈#MUFC | #allredallequal https://t.co/bAizUQ80Pg pic.twitter.com/VEbxxHUbxI
Thank you @JoshuaCavallo for your strength and bravery...
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 27, 2021
🏳️🌈 You are an inspiration to millions
🏳️⚧️ Everyone deserves the right to be themselves
The world of football is a better place today, because of you ❤️ https://t.co/bdUtBpzmHv
Thank you for your strength and courage, Josh - for being you and for the good of the game we all love. Respect and support from everyone at Everton. 💙
— Everton (@Everton) October 27, 2021
Proud of you, Josh! 👏💪 #DifferencesMakeTheDifference
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) October 27, 2021
Your courage and strength are inspiring, Josh.
— Chicago Fire FC (@ChicagoFire) October 27, 2021
Thank you for leading the way. Live your truth. ♥️
Thanks for your courage, Josh. We’re proud of you.
— 1. FC Union Berlin (@fcunion_en) October 27, 2021
All the best from everyone here at Union Berlin. 🌈⚽️
It’s absurd that coming out is a brave thing to do in football. It is though, and I’m full of admiration for Josh for treading a path hopefully many others will follow. I’m sure the overwhelming majority of football lovers will support him and erase the fear others may have. https://t.co/iDvg67qN7s
— Gary Lineker 💙 (@GaryLineker) October 27, 2021
Former American international Robbie Rogers announced he was gay upon retiring in 2013 before he later returned to the field with the LA Galaxy and won the MLS Cup. The victory made him the first openly gay male athlete to win a major professional title in a team sport in the United States.
Thomas Hitzlsperger - a former German international who played in the Premier League, Bundesliga, and Serie A during his career - came out as gay in 2014, four months after retiring from the sport.