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

After announcing his homosexuality in 2021, player Josh Cavallo has received daily death threats and abusive messages on social media.

“Upon reading those comments, I was devastated,” the player states. “Nobody should have to endure such words.

“I'm working to improve my skills and reach my full potential during matches, and then face criticism because of who I am. It's disgusting.”

Midfielder Cavallo was playing for Adelaide United back in 2020 when he became the only openly gay elite soccer player in the world.

Recently he left Australia to sign with non-league Peterborough Sports, who compete before audiences of about 400 in National League North, the sixth tier of the English soccer system.

This young athlete balances his sports career for the Cambridgeshire part-timers by speaking up on LGBTQ+ issues and using his profile - boasting over a million followers on Instagram - to promote fairness and acceptance.

“Absolutely, we've got mountains to do,” the footballer says when questioned about ongoing issues with discrimination.

“I don't go more than a week without hearing about an issue.”

‘Individuals wish to hurt me’

Several years passed for the athlete to work up the courage to say “I am homosexual” before coming out on October 27th, 2021.

“All I want to do is compete in soccer and be treated equally,” he stated in an related clip.

Cavallo was 21 and building his reputation at Adelaide United in the premier division when, with the support of his team-mates, he publicly came out.

“I didn't know what was ahead. I didn't know what to expect,” he says. “The moment seemed appropriate in my life. I needed to move forward.”

The heartfelt revelation clip, titled ‘His Personal Story’, went viral on digital platforms.

“My mobile phone exploded with messages of support. It was overwhelming.”

Liverpool were among numerous famous teams around the world to show solidarity with Cavallo, with the coach at the time Jurgen Klopp saying: “I'm really thankful that he took this step because it sparks conversation.”

Spanish player the athlete also offered support, writing on social media that “the world of football is lagging behind and you are helping us move forward”, while his former club issued a statement backing their “extraordinary” and “courageous” player.

Some people, however, were not so accepting.

Cavallo soon turned into a target of homophobic abuse by opposition fans.

During early 2022 Melbourne Victory were penalized A$5,000 over anti-gay abuse from fans aimed toward Cavallo during a match.

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

“I remained calm because I knew that would only feed the haters.”

There was a frightening incident at a gas station in Australia, where the athlete was assaulted by someone who recognised him from the media attention.

“That was a scary moment,” he recalls. “The thought crossed my mind ‘this is real - individuals intend to hurt me’.

“Should this be tolerated? Absolutely not. But by coming out, this is what it brings.

“I hope that future individuals who comes out while competing in soccer at a high level won't face the path I have experienced.”

The player says the constant menacing messages and hostile communications have affected his mental health.

“It's quite sad because I am having to explain why I belong on the soccer pitch for my identity,” he states.

“Heterosexual players aren't questioned and ask ‘why should you exist in football?’.

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

‘Top-tier athlete revealing orientation would create waves’

The player's choice to reveal his sexuality helped prompt 17-year-old Blackpool forward another athlete to come out as the Britain's sole publicly out playing soccer professional in May 2022.

Nevertheless, there are no openly gay or bisexual players in the top English division.

“It would move mountains,” comments the footballer on the effect a elite athlete revealing their orientation would have.

“But I'm not going to sugar-coat it. Numerous frightening aspects that would await this individual. In the world of football, being an openly gay player is a highly hostile environment.”

Twenty-seven years after Justin Fashanu - Britain's first openly gay male footballer - died by suicide in 1998, the current athlete has spoken about the “toxic masculinity” that still exists in men's football.

“Simply attend to a match and see the hostile environment and masculinity that the crowd brings,” he says.

“Much remains to be done to ensure there is a safe space in football for people like myself and Jake.

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

“I can only keep pushing for principles I believe in, and work towards eliminating the toxic masculinity in football changing rooms and creating a safe space.”

‘My mission is to drive progress’

The player says soccer has enabled discussions inside dressing rooms about coming out.

However, he is critical of Fifa, after Qatar, where homosexual partnerships are against the law, hosted the men's World Cup in 2022.

Future World Cup will be held in Saudi Arabia, where same-sex attraction is also illegal.

“Do I approve that the World Cup is in nations that ban gay unions, where people like me will be imprisoned for merely living on their territory? It's frightening,” says Cavallo.

“I get messages [from residents of such nations] saying ‘I'm about to be put in prison for being who I am - can you help me?’.

“It's devastating that people are getting locked up for their true selves.

“Certain nations that are huge in terms of football and they don't accept the queer community. These places that tend to target me.”

Despite this, Cavallo says he won't cease advocating.

“Football has enabled dialogue in the locker room. It has allowed me to speak and educate people who seek understanding.

“Some will disapprove for your identity. But I've discovered support. I have found my community.

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