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“You don't belong on this earth” ... “Why are you here?” ... “Don't take another breath.”

Since revealing his homosexuality in 2021, player Josh Cavallo has faced constant threats and hateful comments on social media.

“When I first saw these messages, it broke my heart,” the player states. “No-one wants to read things like that.

“I'm trying to get better as a player and reach my full potential during matches, and then get put down due to my identity. It's disgusting.”

Midfielder Cavallo was playing for Adelaide United back in 2020 when he became the only openly gay elite soccer player in the world.

This summer he departed from Australia to join non-league Peterborough Sports, who play in front of crowds of about 400 in National League North, one level below of the English soccer system.

This young athlete balances his sports career for the semi-professional team by advocating for inclusion matters and leveraging his platform - boasting over a million followers on social media - to champion equality and inclusion.

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

“Rarely a week passes without hearing about an issue.”

‘Individuals wish to hurt me’

Several years passed for the athlete to build up the bravery to say “I'm gay” before coming out on 27 October 2021.

“All I want to do is play football and receive fair treatment,” he stated in an related clip.

The player was twenty-one and building his reputation at his Australian club in Australia's top flight when, backed by his colleagues, he announced his orientation publicly.

“The future was uncertain. I had no expectations,” he says. “It felt like the right time in my life. I needed to move forward.”

His emotional coming out video, titled ‘His Personal Story’, gained massive attention on digital platforms.

“My mobile phone exploded with encouraging words. It was overwhelming.”

Liverpool were among numerous famous teams around the world to express support for the player, with then manager Jurgen Klopp saying: “I appreciate that he took this step because now we talk again.”

Spanish player Gerard Pique also expressed backing, posting online that “soccer culture is far behind and your actions drive progress”, while Adelaide United issued a statement supporting their “remarkable” and “brave” player.

Some people, however, were not so accepting.

The footballer quickly became a target of anti-gay remarks by rival supporters.

In January 2022 Melbourne Victory were penalized A$5,000 over anti-gay abuse from fans directed at Cavallo during a match.

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

“I remained calm because responding would encourage detractors.”

A scary event occurred at a petrol station in Australia, where the athlete was physically attacked by someone who recognised him from the media attention.

“That was a scary moment,” he recalls. “The thought crossed my mind ‘this is real - people want to harm me’.

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

“My wish is that the next person who comes out while playing football at a high level won't face the path I have endured.”

Cavallo says the constant menacing messages and hostile communications have taken a toll on his mental health.

“It's disappointing because I must justify why I deserve a place on the football field for my identity,” he says.

“We don't sit straight people down and ask ‘what gives you the right in football?’.

“A lot of people see me as a cheerful, positive person. But sometimes when I rely on my partner, Leighton, and he gets to see much of what occurs privately.”

‘Top-tier athlete revealing orientation would create waves’

The player's choice to reveal his sexuality helped inspire teenage attacking player another athlete to announce he was gay as the UK's only openly gay playing soccer professional in spring 2022.

Nevertheless, there are no openly gay or bisexual players in the top English division.

“It would create massive change,” comments the footballer on the impact a Premier League player revealing their orientation would have.

“But I'm not going to sugar-coat it. Numerous frightening aspects that would come this person's way. In the world of football, identifying as LGBTQ is a highly hostile environment.”

Over two decades after a pioneering player - Britain's first openly gay male footballer - died by suicide in 1998, Cavallo has discussed the “harmful male culture” that persists in men's football.

“You just need to go to a match and observe the hostile environment and masculinity that the crowd brings,” he explains.

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

“Progress has been limited (additional athletes revealing their orientation) as frequently as desired.

“My role is to continue advocating for what I think is right, and strive for eliminating the harmful male norms in football changing rooms and creating a safe space.”

‘I'm here to create change’

The player says football has enabled discussions within team environments about coming out.

However, he is disapproving toward soccer's global governing body, after the Middle Eastern nation, where homosexual partnerships are illegal, staged the global tournament in 2022.

Future World Cup will be held in Saudi Arabia, where same-sex attraction is also illegal.

“Am I impressed that the World Cup is in countries that ban gay unions, where people like me will be imprisoned for merely living on their territory? It's scary,” says Cavallo.

“I get messages [from people living in these countries] saying ‘I'm about to be put in prison for being who I am - can you help me?’.

“It breaks my heart that people are getting locked up for their true selves.

“There are countries that are significant soccer markets and they don't accept the queer community. Those are the countries that often focus on me.”

Nevertheless, Cavallo says he will not stop speaking up.

“Soccer has enabled dialogue in the locker room. It has allowed me to speak and inform individuals who want to learn more.

“Some will disapprove for your identity. But I have found my family. I have found my community.

“My mission is to drive progress. That's what I'm here for.”