Gay footballer Josh Cavallo, who became the world’s only top-flight openly gay male professional player when he came out in 2021, has said “it felt right to share this special moment on the pitch”, after he proposed to his boyfriend at Adelaide United‘s Coopers Stadium.
The Australian midfielder, 24, said the club had provided “a safe space in football” for him.
Writing on social media, the footballer said: “Thank you Adelaide United for helping set up this surprise.
“Your endless support has meant so much to me. You have provided a safe space in football, one that I never in my dreams thought could ever be possible, and encouraged me to live every day of my life authentically.
“It felt right to share this special moment on the pitch, where it all started.”
Cavallo came out on social media in October 2021, saying he was “ready to speak about something personal that I’m finally comfortable to talk about in my life”.
Other players followed: Blackpool player Jake Daniels came out in 2022, becoming the UK’s only openly gay active male professional footballer; and in February 2023 Czech Republic midfielder also Jakub Jankto came out.
