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“You shouldn't exist” ... “What are you doing here?” ... “Don't take another breath.”

After announcing his homosexuality in 2021, footballer Josh Cavallo has received daily death threats and abusive messages on online platforms.

“Upon reading those comments, it broke my heart,” Cavallo states. “Nobody should have to endure such words.

“I'm trying to get better as a player and be the best I can be during matches, and then get put down due to my identity. It's appalling.”

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 departed from Australia to sign with lower-tier club Peterborough Sports, who compete before audiences of about 400 in National League North, the sixth tier of English football.

This young athlete balances his sports career for the semi-professional team by speaking up on inclusion matters and using his profile - boasting over a million followers on social media - to champion equality and acceptance.

“Definitely, we've got mountains to do,” the footballer says when asked if football still has a problem with discrimination.

“I don't go more than a week without encountering problems.”

‘People want to harm me’

Several years passed for Cavallo to work up the courage to say “I'm gay” before revealing his sexuality on 27 October 2021.

“All I want to do is compete in soccer and receive fair treatment,” he said in an accompanying video.

Cavallo was 21 and making a name for himself at his Australian club in Australia's top flight when, backed by his colleagues, he announced his orientation publicly.

“I didn't know what was ahead. I had no expectations,” he says. “It felt like the right time in my life. I wanted to take the next step.”

The heartfelt revelation clip, titled ‘His Personal Story’, gained massive attention on social media.

“My mobile phone exploded with messages of support. The response was incredible.”

A prominent club were one of many high-profile clubs around the world to express support for Cavallo, with then manager Jurgen Klopp saying: “I appreciate that he took this step because now we talk again.”

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique also offered support, posting online that “soccer culture is lagging behind and you are helping us move forward”, while Adelaide United issued a statement supporting their “remarkable” and “courageous” player.

Others, however, were less welcoming.

The footballer quickly became a target of anti-gay remarks by opposition fans.

During early 2022 Melbourne Victory were penalized A$5,000 over discriminatory chants from spectators directed at the player during a game.

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

“I didn't react because responding would encourage detractors.”

There was a frightening incident at a gas station in Australia, where Cavallo was physically attacked by someone who recognised him from the coverage.

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

“Is it acceptable? Absolutely not. But through my disclosure, this is what it brings.

“I hope that the next person who reveals their orientation while competing in soccer at a high level won't face the journey I have experienced.”

Cavallo says the constant menacing messages and abusive messages have affected his psychological well-being.

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

“Heterosexual players aren't questioned and ask ‘what gives you the right in football?’.

“A lot of people see me as a cheerful, positive person. But there are days when I lean on my fiance, his name, and he gets to see a lot that happens behind the scenes.”

‘Premier League player coming out would move mountains’

Cavallo's decision to reveal his sexuality helped inspire 17-year-old Blackpool forward another athlete to come out as the UK's only openly gay active male professional footballer 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 Premier League player coming out would have.

“But I must be honest. There are a lot of scary things that would come this person's way. In the world of football, being an openly gay player is a highly hostile environment.”

Twenty-seven years after a pioneering player - the UK's initial out soccer professional - died by suicide in 1998, Cavallo has discussed the “harmful male culture” that still exists in men's football.

“Simply attend to a match and see the unfriendly atmosphere and masculinity that the crowd brings,” he explains.

“Much remains to be done to ensure there is a safe space in football for individuals like me and his colleague.

“Progress has been limited (additional athletes revealing their orientation) as much as we would like.

“My role is to continue advocating for what I think is right, and strive for eliminating the toxic masculinity in football changing rooms and establishing secure environments.”

‘My mission is to drive progress’

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

However, he is disapproving toward soccer's global governing body, after Qatar, where homosexual partnerships are against the law, staged the global tournament in 2022.

The 2034 tournament is scheduled in another Gulf state, where homosexuality is similarly prohibited.

“Am I impressed that the global championship is in nations that ban gay unions, where individuals like myself will be imprisoned for just existing on that land? It's frightening,” says the athlete.

“I get messages [from residents of such nations] saying ‘I face imprisonment for being who I am - is assistance possible?’.

“It's devastating that individuals are incarcerated for their true selves.

“Certain nations that are significant soccer markets and they reject the queer community. These places that tend to target me.”

Despite this, the footballer says he will not stop speaking up.

“Soccer has enabled dialogue in the locker room. It lets me communicate and educate people who seek understanding.

“Not everyone is going to like you for who you are. But I have found my family. I've connected with similar people.

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