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“You don't belong on this earth” ... “Why are you here?” ... “Stop breathing.”

Since revealing his homosexuality in 2021, footballer the athlete has faced constant threats and hateful comments on online platforms.

“When I first saw these messages, I was devastated,” Cavallo states. “Nobody should have to endure such words.

“I'm trying to get better as a player and be the best I can be during matches, and then face criticism due to my identity. It's disgusting.”

Player Cavallo was playing for Adelaide United back in 2020 when he emerged as the sole publicly out elite soccer player in the world.

Recently he departed from Australia to sign with non-league Peterborough Sports, who play in front of crowds of about 400 in the sixth division, one level below of the English soccer system.

The 25-year-old combines playing for the semi-professional team by advocating for inclusion matters and leveraging his platform - he has more than one million followers on Instagram - to promote fairness and acceptance.

“Absolutely, there's enormous work ahead,” Cavallo comments when questioned about ongoing issues with discrimination.

“Rarely a week passes without encountering problems.”

‘Individuals wish to hurt me’

It took years for Cavallo to build up the bravery to say “I'm gay” before revealing his sexuality on October 27th, 2021.

“All I want to do is compete in soccer and receive fair treatment,” he said in an accompanying video.

Cavallo was 21 and building his reputation at his Australian club in Australia's top flight when, backed by his colleagues, he announced his orientation publicly.

“I didn't know what was ahead. I had no expectations,” he says. “The moment seemed appropriate in my life. I wanted to take the next step.”

His emotional coming out video, titled ‘Josh's Truth’, gained massive attention on digital platforms.

“My phone was flooded with encouraging words. It was overwhelming.”

A prominent club were one of many high-profile clubs around the world to express support for the player, with then manager Jurgen Klopp saying: “I appreciate that he did it because it sparks conversation.”

Spanish player Gerard Pique also expressed backing, writing on social media that “the world of football is far behind and your actions drive progress”, while his former club issued a statement supporting their “extraordinary” and “courageous” player.

Others, however, were less welcoming.

The footballer soon turned into a subject to anti-gay remarks by rival supporters.

During early 2022 Melbourne Victory were penalized five thousand dollars over anti-gay abuse from spectators directed at Cavallo during a game.

“The things I'd hear were hurtful and derogatory towards LGBTQ people,” he says.

“I didn't react because I knew that would only feed the haters.”

A scary event occurred at a gas station in Australia, where Cavallo was assaulted by someone who recognised him from the media attention.

“That was a scary moment,” he remembers. “I remember thinking ‘this is real - individuals intend to hurt me’.

“Should this be tolerated? Definitely not. But through my disclosure, these are the consequences.

“I hope that future individuals who comes out while playing football at a professional standard won't face the path I have experienced.”

Cavallo says the daily death threats and abusive messages have taken a toll on his psychological well-being.

“It's disappointing because I am having to explain why I belong on the football field for being who I am,” he says.

“We don't sit straight people down and ask ‘what gives you the right in football?’.

“A lot of people see me as a smiling, positive person. But there are days when I lean on my fiance, Leighton, and he witnesses a lot that happens privately.”

‘Top-tier athlete revealing orientation would create waves’

Cavallo's decision to reveal his sexuality helped prompt 17-year-old Blackpool forward Jake Daniels to announce he was gay as the UK's only openly gay playing soccer professional in spring 2022.

Nevertheless, there are zero publicly LGBTQ athletes in the top English division.

“It would move mountains,” says Cavallo on the effect a elite athlete revealing their orientation would make.

“But I must be honest. There are a lot of scary things that would come this person's way. In the world of football, being an openly gay player is a highly hostile environment.”

Twenty-seven years after Justin Fashanu - the UK's initial out soccer professional - died by suicide in 1998, Cavallo has spoken about the “harmful male culture” that still exists in men's football.

“You just need to go to a game and observe the unfriendly atmosphere and male-dominated culture that the audience creates,” he explains.

“Much remains to be done to make sure there is a safe space in football for individuals like me and Jake.

“We haven't seen it (additional athletes revealing their orientation) as much as we would like.

“My role is to continue advocating for principles I believe in, and strive for eliminating the harmful male norms in soccer locker rooms and establishing secure environments.”

‘I'm here to create change’

The player says football has enabled discussions within team environments about revealing one's orientation.

Yet, he is critical of soccer's global governing body, after the Middle Eastern nation, where homosexual partnerships are illegal, staged the global tournament in 2022.

The 2034 tournament will be held in Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality is also illegal.

“Am I impressed that the World Cup is in nations that ban gay unions, where people like me will be put in prison for merely living on their territory? It's frightening,” says the athlete.

“I receive communications [from people living in these countries] saying ‘I face imprisonment for my identity - can you help me?’.

“It's devastating that people are getting locked up for being who they are.

“There are countries that are huge in terms of football and they don't accept the queer community. Those are the countries that often focus on me.”

Despite this, Cavallo says he will not stop speaking up.

“Football has enabled dialogue in the changing room. It lets me communicate and inform individuals who seek understanding.

“Some will disapprove for your identity. But I've discovered support. I've connected with similar people.

“My purpose is to create change. That's what I'm here for.”