Australian Footballer Announces He's Gay, Believed to Be Only Current Male Top-Flight Player to Be Out

Adelaide United player Josh Cavallo came out in an emotional video published on October 27 in which he told the public, “I’m a footballer and I’m gay.”

SBS News said that it’s believed Cavallo is now the “only current, openly gay male professional footballer in the world.”

Speaking from his home in Adelaide, Cavallo said: “growing up I always felt the need to hide myself, you know, because I was ashamed. Ashamed that I’d never be able to do what I love and be gay.”

In the video, which was posted through Adelaide United’s social media profiles, he added that “All I want to do is play football and be treated equally.”

Cavallo enthused about the “immense” support he has gotten since coming out, saying “I know there are other football players living in silence. I want to change this.”

In a statement, Adelaide United Football Club said “Adelaide United, not only as a football club, but as the embodiment of an inclusive community, supports a remarkable and brave person.” Credit: Josh Cavallo/Adelaide United Football Club via Storyful