Growing up being gay and playing football were just two worlds that hadn't crossed paths before. 'Being a gay closeted footballer, I've had to learn to mask my feelings in order to fit the mould of a professional footballer. 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. Ashamed I would never be able to do what I loved and be gay. Growing up, I always felt the need to hide myself because I was ashamed. 'For the people that know me personally, you'll know I'm a private person. I have been fighting my sexuality for over six years now, and I'm glad I can put that to rest. It's been a journey to get to this point in my life, but I couldn't be happier with my decision to come out.

'I am proud to publicly announce that I am gay. 'Today, I'm ready to speak about something personal that I'm finally comfortable to talk about in my life,' Cavallo posted on Twitter. Adelaide United's Josh Cavallo has become the first active men's player in Australia's A-League to come out as gay. The 21-year-old is one of very few male footballers around the world to make to make the announcement while still playing.Ĭavallo's decision to come out publicly was centred around encouraging others to be more open and accepting of themselves and their sexuality.

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