Josh Cavallo, the athlete who became the first active top-tier male footballer to come out as gay, has levelled serious allegations against his former club, Adelaide United. In a poignant social media statement, the 26-year-old claimed that "internal homophobia" and club politics; rather than his physical fitness or talent, were the true reasons he was sidelined before his departure in 2025.
Cavallo, who recently moved to the UK to play for semi-professional side Stamford AFC, broke his silence on Tuesday. He alleged that after a change in management, his sexuality became a barrier to his professional progression.
"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," Cavallo wrote. "Decisions were made by people in power that blocked my opportunities, not because of my talent, but because of who I choose to love."
The midfielder also shared a disturbing detail regarding the locker room culture, alleging he saw a teammates' group chat in which a photo of him and his partner was being mocked. The experience, he admits, led him to a dark place: "For the first time, I actually questioned if I should have kept my sexuality a secret."
The A-League side issued a firm rebuttal, expressing "extreme disappointment" at the allegations. The club maintains that team selection is an objective process based purely on performance and fitness.
Selection Stance: The club stated that "all on-field decisions relating to team selection are made solely on footballing grounds."
Inclusivity Record: A spokesperson highlighted the club’s ongoing work, including the upcoming fourth annual Pride Cup match against Melbourne Victory this Saturday.
Injury Context: While Cavallo claims he was fit, the club pointed to his history of injuries, including a ruptured Achilles in 2023 and a quad injury in early 2024.
Since coming out in 2021, Cavallo has been a global ambassador for LGBTQ+ rights in sports, inspiring other professionals like the UK's Jake Daniels. However, his recent comments suggest that the path remains fraught with hidden challenges. Despite receiving death threats and experiencing isolation, Cavallo stated that his "fresh start" in the UK has helped him "breathe again" as he seeks to rediscover his love for the game.
The timing of the allegations is particularly sensitive for Adelaide United, as they prepare to host a high-profile Pride-themed matchday this weekend.
