"Being gay and playing soccer were two paths that did not cross"
The LGTBI culture in sports is breaking down barriers and is becoming less taboo, but it is still an area in which it is difficult to come out of the closet. Even more so in football. Not many players have made their sexual orientation visible, especially in men's teams. But the Adelaide United midfielder, Joshua Cavallo (1999) has wanted to break with this trend and take a step further in the visibility of the group.
In a video posted on his social networks and in which he looks nervous and excited, the Australian footballer wanted to announce that he is gay, which makes him one of the few openly gay players. "I was living a double life," he explains in the video, where he claims to feel comfortable "at last" to talk about it.
- Josh Cavallo (@JoshuaCavallo) October 27, 2021
"There is something I want to share with you: I am a footballer and I am gay," he asserted. "It has been a long journey to get to this point, but I could not be happier with my decision to come out of the closet," adds the young man, who has been "six years fighting" his sexuality and is happy to "put an end" to that fight. "Growing up gay and playing soccer were just two worlds that hadn't crossed before," he says.
Cavallo fears that these statements could have a negative effect on his career and affirms that there are other colleagues who "live in silence." That is why he wants to "help change it." "I want to show that everyone is welcome in football and deserves to be themselves," he says, "and help other players in my situation not to feel alone."
- Josh Cavallo (@JoshuaCavallo) October 27, 2021
Thousands of Twitter users have applauded his "inspiring" decision and showed their support for Cavallo. "Those who really knew me have always treated me lovingly and supported me on this path. I am incredibly grateful for this support. Thank you to my family and friends. Special thanks to Tommy and David for making this possible and helping me publicly say that I am gay. Thank you to the Adelaide United family for treating me with the utmost respect and acceptance. I am incredibly grateful. Happy pride and let's go United, "he concludes.
