Josh Cavallo, an Australian football player, announced the happy news of his engagement to partner Leighton Morrell. Cavallo is well-known for being the only openly gay top-tier player in the world at the time of his coming out in 2021. The touching proposal happened on the pitch at Coopers Stadium, home of Adelaide United.
Context and announcement
Cavallo made international news three years ago when he bravely came out and declared he was ready to discuss his personal life in public. Since then, he has developed into an ardent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has encountered both obstacles and successes in his journey.
Gratitude to Adelaide United
In his announcement on Instagram, Cavallo expressed heartfelt gratitude to Adelaide United for their unwavering support since his coming out and their assistance in arranging the memorable proposal. He credited the club for providing a safe and accepting environment in football, which enabled him to live authentically, saying
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
Words of support from Coach Carl Veart
United's coach, Carl Veart, celebrated Cavallo's engagement, highlighting the joy it brings amid the player's recovery from a long-term injury. Veart emphasised the importance of players finding happiness and fulfilment both on and off the pitch, affirming Cavallo's positive impact on the team.
Advocacy Despite Obstacles
Cavallo has endured homophobic abuse despite his support for LGBTQ+ rights, including one instance that occurred during an A-League game in 2022. He has responded by continuing to be unwavering in his resolve to live up to his truth and demand accountability for discriminatory practices.
Support from the football community
The Australian Professional Leagues and Melbourne Victory, Cavallo's opponents in the aforementioned incident, have both denounced and offered support for the abuse that was directed at him. The A-League's recent pride round highlighted the continuous efforts to promote acceptance and inclusivity in football.
Expanding Representation
Cavallo's journey as an openly gay footballer has paved the way for others to follow suit. He is no longer the sole out-of-flight player, with Jake Daniels of Blackpool coming out in 2022 and Czech Republic international Jakub Jankto publicly sharing his sexual orientation in February 2023.
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