Joshua Cavallo: First openly gay professional soccer player claims he left Adelaide United due to homophobia

Australia’s first openly gay professional soccer player has issued a damning statement, claiming he left his club in 2025 due to alleged homophobia that kept him off the field, with his club saying it “rejects” the accusations.

Joshua Cavallo, former player for Adelaide United, made global headlines in 2021 when he came out as gay through an Instagram post.

“I’m a footballer and I’m gay,” Cavallo said in a video. “Growing up I felt the need to hide myself. All I want to do is play football and be treated equally.

“I’m tired trying to perform at the best of your ability and live this double life.”

In the emotional coming out video, Cavallo said he had felt shame and fear about being a gay man in professional sport.

At the time, he said he was overwhelmed by the support and the response he received after he came out.

During the 2024-25 A-League season, Cavallo did not make it onto the field during a game, instead, he was kept on the bench. After the season ended, Cavallo left the club.

Now, in a new post, Cavallo has come out swinging with allegations of homophobia, saying that fans “deserve honesty”.

“Leaving the club had nothing to do with football. Decisions were made by people in power that blocked my opportunities, not because of my talent, but because of who I choose to love,” Cavallo wrote on Instagram.

“Under the new management, it became clear that I wasn’t allowed on the pitch because of politics.

“It’s hard to swallow when I realised my own club was homophobic.

“I was angry because people thought I was sidelined based on injuries, when in reality, it was internal homophobia that kept me on the bench.

“I stayed professional, kept my head down, and worked hard every day which I’m proud of. Yet no matter how much I produced or improved, my contributions were continuously ignored. It brought a lot of negativity and affected my wellbeing as a professional footballer.”

Cavallo said what allegedly happened under new management was “exactly the fear I had about coming out”, saying that prejudice affected his career.

In a harrowing admission, Cavallo said he was forced to question if he should have gone public about being a gay man in professional sport, also sharing details of a group chat he says his teammates were in where they mocked him and his boyfriend.

“For the first time, I actually questioned if I should have kept my sexuality a secret,” he wrote.

“This brought up fears I had about coming out publicly, that being myself would affect my career.

“I felt incredibly isolated and wondered if I’d made the mistake of sharing my story.

“I felt things going backwards, not just on the pitch, but in the one place I thought was a safe space and after seeing a group chat of teammates mocking a picture of me and my partner only added to this heartache.”

Adelaide United respond to alleged homophobia claims

Hours after the allegations where made, Adelaide United said it was “disappointed” by Cavallo’s claims, rejecting them all.

“Adelaide United is aware of a statement published on social media this morning by former player Josh Cavallo,” a statement from the club said.

“The Club is extremely disappointed by the claims made and categorically rejects the allegations, including any suggestion that Adelaide United is homophobic. All on-field decisions relating to team selection are made solely on footballing grounds.

“Adelaide United has always been committed to fostering an inclusive environment for players, staff and supporters and we remain proud of our ongoing work to promote inclusion across football.

“Strengthening inclusivity must remain an ongoing focus for the game, and the Club looks forward to hosting the fourth annual Pride Cup this weekend against Melbourne Victory. “The Club will not be making any further comment at this time.”

After Cavallo left the club, he moved to the UK and joined the National League North side Peterborough Sports. He says that the decision has allowed him to breathe again.

“This fresh start in the UK has helped me breathe again and I hope I can fall back in love with the sport that means everything to me,” Cavallo wrote.

“Despite the way it ended behind the scenes, I refuse to let it ruin my connection to this city.

“Adelaide is where I found my wings.

“To the fans and supporters: thank you for your passion and backing. You deserve honesty and success. You were incredible to play in front of.”

Members and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community flooded Cavallo’s post with support.

RuPaul’s Drag Race host and singer Michelle Visage wrote: “Sending you so much love”.

Influencer Jake Jamie said: “Your bravery continues to inspire. No one should ever have to choose between their truth and their career.”

Fitness influencer Jamie Ayshford wrote: “What a strength. So much pride to be found in this vulnerability. You’re a force for us all.”

Lifeline: 13 11 14.

Young people seeking support can phone beyondblue on 1300 22 4636 or go to headspace.org.au.