Oct 27, 2021 - Sports

Australia’s Josh Cavallo becomes first openly gay current top-flight soccer player

Australian soccer player Josh Cavallo on Wednesday came out as gay in a video released by his A-League team Adelaide United.

Why it matters: Cavallo's coming out means he is the only current openly gay top-flight male soccer player, CNN reports.

Former soccer players who have come out include Australian Andy Brennan in 2019, German Thomas Hitzlsperger in 2014 and Robbie Rogers in 2013, per CNN.

What he's saying: "I'm a footballer and I'm gay," Cavallo said. "All I want to do is play football and be treated equally."

"I know there are other players living in silence," he added. "I want to help change this, to show that everyone is welcome in the game of football and deserves the right to be their authentic self."
"I want to inspire and show people that it's okay to be yourself and play football, it's okay to be gay and to play football."