Australian soccer player Josh Cavallo, who made headlines in 2021 for being the first top-flight male professional soccer star to come out as gay, recently proposed to his partner, Leighton Morell on the pitch of his club Adelaide United.
Cavallo’s announcement in 2021 was an changing moment for the sport. Since then, Cavallo has become a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in sports.
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Cavallo wrote in an Instagram Post: “Starting this year with my fiancé [ring emoji; heart emoji], Mr & Mr Coming soon. Thank you @adelaideunited for helping set up this surprise.”
The athlete added: “Your endless support has meant so much to me. You have provided a safe space in football, one that I never in my dreams thought could ever be possible, and encouraged me to live everyday of my life authentically. It felt right to share this special moment on the pitch, where it all started.”
Starting this year with my fiancée 💍❤️
Thank you @adelaideunited for helping set up this surprise.
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 ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/9ThwrN2Yol
— Josh Cavallo (@JoshuaCavallo) March 13, 2024
Cavallo has also spoken out against FIFA’s decision to ban players from wearing armbands promoting LGBTQ+ rights at the World Cup held in Qatar. He said the decision made him feel “excluded.”
Despite Professional soccer’ strides in tackling homophobia and racism in recent years, prejudice remains. A report by Kick It Out, the English football anti-discrimination group, found a 65% rise in discriminatory behavior during the 2022-23 season.
Leighton Morrell describes himself as an Electrician based in Australia on his personal Instagram handle. He also plays professional rugby. The 34-year-old has reportedly been dating the footballer since half of last year.
