Josh Cavallo Alleges Homophobia at Former Club Adelaide United

Tue Jan 13 2026 08:03:06 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Pioneering gay footballer Josh Cavallo claims he was pushed out of Adelaide United due to internal homophobia, prompting a strong rebuttal from the club.

Josh Cavallo, the first male professional footballer to come out as gay during his playing career, has alleged that he faced internal homophobia at his former club Adelaide United. In a recent Instagram post, he stated that he was sidelined due to his sexuality, while the club denied these claims, emphasizing that team selection was based solely on footballing grounds. Cavallo's comments shed light on the ongoing challenges of acceptance within sports, especially for LGBTQ+ athletes.

Josh Cavallo, known for being the first male footballer to come out as gay while actively playing in a top-tier league, has made serious allegations against his former team, Adelaide United. He claims that internal homophobia led to his sidelining from the club, continuing a troubling narrative in the world of sports regarding LGBTQ+ athletes.

In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram, Cavallo discussed his reflections on why his time at Adelaide United ended the way it did. His announcement in 2021 was met with widespread support, but he now believes that his sexual orientation was a factor in his reduced playing time.

The club, however, has publicly rejected Cavallo's claims, asserting that all decisions regarding team selection are based on performance and not influenced by players' personal lives. Their statement expressed disappointment with the allegations, especially given the club's commitment to promoting an inclusive environment.

Cavallo revealed that he felt he was being kept off the field due to 'internal homophobia,' stating that it was difficult for him to come to terms with the idea that his own team might not support him. He recalled instances where his sexuality was mocked within the team environment, including an incident involving a photo with his partner.

Expressing his struggle with this realization, he mentioned a troubling moment of considering whether he should have kept his sexuality a secret. Despite the adversity he has faced since coming out, including daily threats, Cavallo emphasized that he does not regret his decision to be open about his identity.

This revelation not only highlights Cavallo's personal battle but also reflects the need for continued dialogue and progress in fostering inclusion in sports. As he joins a new club, Stamford AFC, the football community watches closely, hoping for a future where such discrimination is a thing of the past.