Australian footballer Josh Cavallo has been met with a wave of celebrity support after he came out as gay.
The 21-year-old Adelaide United player shared an emotional video and post in which he opened up about his sexuality on Wednesday.
He said it was “astonishing to know there are no gay professional footballers who are out and actively playing” and that he wanted to show “others who identify as LGBTQ+ that they are welcome in the football community”.
As the world celebrated his news in what is a huge step forward in the footballing world, the likes of former players Gary Lineker and Rio Ferdinand and other celebrities including RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Courtney Act showed their support online.
Match Of The Day host Gary tweeted: “It’s absurd that coming out is a brave thing to do in football. It is though, and I’m full of admiration for Josh for treading a path hopefully many others will follow.
“I’m sure the overwhelming majority of football lovers will support him and erase the fear others may have.”
Rio said Josh’s coming out video was “strength and bravery personified”.
Noting how Josh is the only current gay male professional footballer in the world, Courtney said: “Welcome @JoshuaCavello!”
Josh also tweeted that Lil Nas X had shown him support on Instagram.
@LilNasX thank you! I’m very overwhelmed with happiness today but this means the world to me. Thank you for standing by me??? pic.twitter.com/qcF4SoWQ6i
— Josh Cavallo (@JoshuaCavallo) October 27, 2021
I’m so happy for you, @JoshuaCavallo, and I really admire your decision in coming forward to speak about your sexuality. The strength this requires is incredible and I’m sure it will inspire so many young people who are currently living a "double life". Well done
— Magdalena Eriksson (@MagdaEricsson) October 27, 2021
A number of British clubs and football associations also showed their support for John on their social channels...
Thank you @JoshuaCavallo for your strength and bravery...
?️? You are an inspiration to millions
?️️ Everyone deserves the right to be themselves
The world of football is a better place today, because of you
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 27, 2021
Wrexham AFC and the football community stands with you Josh
Thank you for speaking out ?️?
?️ #WxmAFChttps://t.co/eOPDtqR7YZ
— Wrexham AFC (@Wrexham_AFC) October 27, 2021
Proud of you @JoshuaCavallo for your strength and bravery.
You'll Never Walk Alone
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 27, 2021
Inspirational.
You have paved the way and we admire your leadership, Josh.
All of Sunderland is with you… ?️?
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) October 27, 2021
The British LGBT Awards also took a moment on social media to celebrate and remember the legacy of late former player Justin Fashanu, who was the first openly gay professional footballer as well as the first Black footballer to command a £1 million transfer fee.
In his post, Josh – who currently plays as left-back and central midfielder for A-League Men’s side Adelaide United – said: “Being a gay closeted footballer, I’ve had to learn to mask my feeling in order to fit the mould of a professional footballer.
“Growing up being gay and playing football were just two worlds that hadn’t crossed paths before.
“In football, you only have a small window to achieve greatness, and coming out publicly may have a negative impact on a career.
“As a gay footballer, I know there are other players living in silence.
“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.”
