FOOTBALL’S first openly-gay star has got engaged to his electrician partner with an incredible on-pitch proposal.
Josh Cavallo, 24, came out as gay in October 2021, becoming the only active male professional footballer at the time to do so.
The Adelaide United star was hailed for his bravery by fans around the globe, with several other players inspired by his actions.
And three-and-a-half years later, Cavallo is now engaged to his partner Leighton Morrell
The ace popped the question at Adelaide’s Copper Stadium.
And he thanks his Australian club for providing a “safe space in football.”
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Cavallo said: “Starting this year with my fiance. Thank you Adelaide for helping set up this surprise.
“You have provided a safe space in football, one that I never in my dreams thought could ever be possible.
“To share this special moment on the pitch, where it all started.”
Fans congratulated the happy couple on their news.
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One said: “Huge congratulations to you both.”
Another declared: “Good luck for you two.”
One noted: “Absolute scenes, congrats!”
Another added: “How exciting it was done in a place where you have been so comfortable in your own skin.”
When Cavallo came out in 2021, he posted an emotional message to the world.
He said: “I’m a footballer and I’m gay. All I want to do is play football and be treated equally.
“I’m tired of trying to perform at the best of your ability and to live this double life, it’s exhausting.
“I thought that people would think of me differently when they found out. They would start treating me differently.
“They would start saying bad things about me or making fun out of me. That’s not the case. If anything, you would earn more respect from people.”
He added: “I have been fighting my sexuality for over six years now, and I’m glad I can put that to rest.
“For the people that know me personally, you’ll know I’m a private person. Growing up, I always felt the need to hide myself because I was ashamed.
“Ashamed I would never be able to do what I loved and be gay.
“Hiding who I truly am, to pursue a dream I always wished for as a kid, to play football and be treated equally never felt like a reality.
“Being a gay closeted footballer, I’ve had to learn to mask my feelings in order to fit the mould of a professional footballer.
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“Growing up being gay and playing football were just two worlds that hadn’t crossed paths before.
“I’ve lived my life assuming that this was a topic never to be spoken about.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
