Historic Footballer Josh Cavallo Alleges Homophobia at Former Club

Tue Jan 13 2026 10:20:56 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Josh Cavallo, the pioneering gay footballer, claims he experienced homophobia at Adelaide United, suggesting it played a role in his departure from the club. This revelation raises questions about inclusivity within professional sports.

Josh Cavallo, notable for being the first active male professional footballer to come out as gay, has accused his former club, Adelaide United, of homophobia after alleging that his sexuality influenced team selection decisions. Despite Cavallo's allegations, the club maintains its commitment to an inclusive playing environment.

Josh Cavallo, celebrated for being the first professional male footballer to publicly come out as gay while active in the sport, has made serious allegations against his former club, Adelaide United. In a recent Instagram post, Cavallo claimed that after coming out in 2021 with the support of his teammates, he faced internal homophobia that ultimately influenced his time on the bench.

Cavallo, who transferred to Stamford AFC in 2022 after leaving Adelaide United, stated that he felt sidelined not due to performance but due to his sexual orientation. 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, he expressed.

His comments come as Adelaide United prepares for its fourth Pride Cup match, highlighting a stark contrast with the club's alleged failure to support Cavallo during his tenure. A spokesperson for the club has categorically denied Cavallo's claims, emphasizing that all decisions regarding team selections were made on sporting grounds alone.

The club expressed disappointment over the allegations and reiterated its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. Cavallo has not only faced challenges within the sport since coming out but has also faced daily threats and negativity from certain corners of the public. Nevertheless, he has stated that he has no regrets about his decision to come out and wishes he had done it sooner.

This complex situation shines a light on the ongoing conversation regarding inclusivity in sports and the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ athletes in achieving acceptance within the industry.