Historic Gay Footballer Accuses Former Club of Homophobia
Josh Cavallo, the first male footballer to come out as gay during his career in elite football, has leveled serious accusations against his former club, Adelaide United. In an impassioned Instagram post, the 26-year-old Australian midfielder claimed that internal homophobia at the club marginalized him, adversely affecting his career and mental health.
Accusations of Homophobia
Cavallo stated that his departure from Adelaide United in 2025 was not due to footballing reasons but rather the club’s internal attitudes towards his sexuality. He expressed that he felt sidelined not because of his abilities, but due to “politics” surrounding his personal life. “This was exactly the fear I had about coming out, seeing prejudice affect my career,” he noted in his post.
Club’s Response
Adelaide United has outright denied Cavallo’s allegations, expressing disappointment at the claims. The club emphasized that all decisions regarding team selection were made based on performance, stating: “All on-field decisions relating to team selection are made solely on footballing grounds.”
Cavallo’s Journey
In October 2021, Cavallo became a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ representation in sports by publicly coming out. He had previously expressed joy over embracing his identity, stating he was tired of living a “double life.” Cavallo has represented Australia at the U19 level and openly discussed his aspirations to compete in the Qatar World Cup.
Personal Struggles
Cavallo has shared experiences that left him feeling isolated. He recalled an incident where teammates mocked a photo of him with his fiancé, Leighton Morrell, aggravating his emotional distress. His mental well-being was deeply impacted during his time at the club.
Engagement and Future
In 2024, Cavallo proposed to Morrell on the pitch at Adelaide United’s home ground, marking a joyous occasion amid his struggles. The club has been active in promoting inclusivity, preparing to host the fourth annual Pride Cup event soon, highlighting its commitment to fostering a welcoming environment in football.
Impact on the LGBTQ+ Community
Cavallo’s bold choice to come out has inspired many in the sporting world, paving the way for others such as Jake Daniels, who similarly came out in 2022. Daniels made headlines as the first professional male player in Britain to be open about his sexuality since Justin Fashanu in 1990.
In closing, Cavallo reflected on his fresh start in the UK, expressing gratitude to his supporters: “To the fans and supporters: thank you for your passion and backing. You deserve honesty and success.” His experiences serve as a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQ+ athletes in sports.
