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Australian soccer player Josh Cavallo comes out in emotional video: 'I'm a footballer, and I'm gay'

Australian A-league soccer player Josh Cavallo made a groundbreaking personal announcement Wednesday, telling the world that he is gay and will no longer live his life in the closet.

Cavallo, who plays for Adelaide United, came out in an emotional video that the team posted on Twitter.

In the video, Cavallo discussed his personal journey and his decision to come out. When he was young and realized he was gay, he thought that meant he'd never be able to play professional soccer. He hid his identity for so long, and was afraid to come out to his family, friends, teammates and coaches because he wasn't sure of the response he'd get.

Instead of anger and scorn, he was received with love and acceptance.

"Coming out to my loved ones, my peers, my friends, my teammates, my coaches, has been incredible," Cavallo said. "The response and support I have received is immense. It's starting to make me think that, why have I been hiding this burden for so long?"

Cavallo's announcement means he's currently the only openly gay top-tier male soccer player in the world, a fact he's very aware of. In a message he posted on Twitter, he said that he hopes his decision to come out will encourage others in the game to do the same.

"As a gay footballer, I know there are other players living in silence. I want to help change this, to show that everyone is welcome in the game of football, and deserves the right to be their authentic self.

"It is astonishing to know that there are currently no gay professional football players who are out and actively playing not only in Australia, but around the world. Hopefully this will change in the near future. I hope that in sharing who I am, I can show others who identify as LGBTQ+ that they are welcome in the football community. As the game of football keeps expanding, I want to help evolve the game even further, and let other players in my situation feel that they're not alone."

Cavallo receives support, praise for his bravery

Cavallo received love and acceptance from his family, friends and teammates when he came out to them. When he came out to the world, he was flooded with positive messages from fans, players, lawmakers and more.

Adelaide United also released a statement in support of Cavallo, including a statement from head coach Carl Veart.

“Josh is a tremendous young man and has shown incredible courage to be one of very few professional sportsmen to be this brave.

“I’m very proud of him.

“I have nothing but admiration and support for him, as do all the players and coaching staff.

“He has, and will always be, a valued and respected part of our team and our Club.

“I want all my players to feel comfortable and happy being their own person, on and off the park.

“For Josh to be the best he can be and get the most out of his career, he needs the freedom to be himself and I fully support him.”