🔗 Share this article

“You don't belong on this earth” ... “What are you doing here?” ... “Stop breathing.”

Since revealing his homosexuality in 2021, footballer the athlete has faced constant threats and abusive messages on online platforms.

“Upon reading those comments, it broke my heart,” the player states. “No-one wants to read things like that.

“I'm trying to get better as a player and reach my full potential on the pitch, and then get put down because of who I am. It's disgusting.”

Midfielder the sportsman was playing for Adelaide United four years ago when he emerged as the sole publicly out elite soccer player in the world.

Recently he left Australia to join lower-tier club Peterborough Sports, who compete before audiences of about 400 in National League North, the sixth tier of the English soccer system.

This young athlete combines playing for the semi-professional team by advocating for inclusion matters and using his profile - he has more than one million followers on Instagram - to promote fairness and inclusion.

“Definitely, there's enormous work ahead,” the footballer comments when questioned about ongoing issues with homophobia.

“Rarely a week passes without hearing about an issue.”

‘People want to harm me’

It took years for Cavallo to build up the bravery to say “I am homosexual” before coming out on 27 October 2021.

“My only desire is play football and be treated equally,” he stated in an accompanying video.

Cavallo was 21 and making a name for himself at his Australian club in Australia's top flight when, backed by his colleagues, he announced his orientation publicly.

“The future was uncertain. I had no expectations,” he recalls. “It felt like the right time in my life. I wanted to take the next step.”

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

“My mobile phone exploded with encouraging words. The response was incredible.”

Liverpool were among numerous famous teams around the world to express support for Cavallo, with then manager Jurgen Klopp saying: “I appreciate that he did it because it sparks conversation.”

Barcelona defender the athlete also offered support, posting online that “the world of football is far behind and you are helping us move forward”, while his former club released a comment supporting their “extraordinary” and “courageous” player.

Some people, however, were less welcoming.

Cavallo soon turned into a subject to anti-gay remarks by opposition fans.

During early 2022 Melbourne Victory were fined A$5,000 over discriminatory chants from fans aimed toward Cavallo during a game.

“The comments I encountered were hurtful and disparaging towards my community,” he explains.

“I remained calm because responding would encourage detractors.”

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

“That was a scary moment,” he remembers. “I remember thinking ‘this is happening - individuals intend to hurt me’.

“Should this be tolerated? Definitely not. But by coming out, this is what it brings.

“I hope that the next person who reveals their orientation while playing football at a professional standard won't face the path I have endured.”

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 belong on the football field for being who I am,” he says.

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

“Many individuals see me as a smiling, positive person. But there are days when I rely on my partner, his name, and he witnesses much of what occurs behind the scenes.”

‘Top-tier athlete revealing orientation would create waves’

The player's choice to reveal his sexuality helped prompt 17-year-old attacking player another athlete to come out as the Britain's sole publicly out active male professional footballer in May 2022.

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

“It would move mountains,” comments Cavallo on the effect a Premier League player revealing their orientation would have.

“But I must be honest. Numerous frightening aspects that would await this individual. In the world of football, being an openly gay player is a very toxic place.”

Over two decades after a pioneering player - Britain's first openly gay male footballer - took his own life in 1998, Cavallo has spoken about the “toxic masculinity” that persists in men's football.

“You just need to go to a match and see the hostile environment and male-dominated culture that the crowd brings,” he says.

“There is still a lot of work to ensure there is a secure environment in soccer for individuals like me and Jake.

“We haven't seen it (more players coming out) as frequently as desired.

“I can only keep pushing for principles I believe in, and strive for taking out the toxic masculinity in football changing rooms and establishing secure environments.”

‘I'm here to create change’

The player says soccer has enabled discussions inside dressing rooms about revealing one's orientation.

Yet, he is critical of Fifa, after the Middle Eastern nation, where homosexual partnerships are illegal, hosted the men's World Cup in 2022.

Future World Cup will be held in Saudi Arabia, where same-sex attraction is also illegal.

“Am I impressed that the World Cup is in nations that ban gay unions, where individuals like myself will be imprisoned for merely living on their territory? It's frightening,” states Cavallo.

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

“It's devastating that people are getting locked up for their true selves.

“There are countries that are huge in terms of football and they don't accept LGBTQ+ people. These places that often focus on me.”

Despite this, Cavallo says he won't cease advocating.

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

“Not everyone is going to like you for your identity. But I have found my family. I've connected with similar people.

“My mission is to create change. That's my objective.”