Adelaide United player Josh Cavallo has become the only known current professional male baller in the world to come out as gay.

For far too long the world of football has been an unsafe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community. The fact there haven’t been any active ‘out’ players in the professional men’s game, is an indication of that.

Up until this point in footballing history, players have chosen to wait until retirement before coming out. Former Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlesperger revealed he was gay after hanging up his boots in 2014, the highest profile player to date to do so.

Perhaps the most well-known story belongs to Justin Fashanu, who tragically took his own life after allegations of sexual assault were made against him in 1998. The Norwich City legend committed suicide for fear he would not receive a fair trial as a gay man. A story that still no doubt instills fear in so many men struggling with their identities.

Some may argue that Cavallo’s coming out story shouldn’t be significant as it’s 2021. That's an argument devoid of knowledge or empathy for what it's like for someone who’s spent years hiding who they are from the world. According to the Home Office’s most recent report around hate crimes, those categorised as homophobic and transphobic have increased by 10% since the start of the pandemic.

As little as two weeks ago, John-Paul Kesseler was walking home hand-in-hand with a man after a night out in Birmingham’s ‘Gay Village’ when he was attacked with a wine bottle. A completely unprovoked attack. Heinous crimes against members of the queer community are sadly still daily occurrences, despite it being 2021. The fear of imminent danger for being gay makes Cavallo’s story all the more poignant.

One of The A-League's rising stars made his announcement in a video post where he expressed how “exhausting” it had been trying to live a “double life” after fighting with his sexuality for six years. Speaking candidly in his announcement video, the 21-year-old said: "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."

pic.twitter.com/gSfymTagGl

— Josh Cavallo (@JoshuaCavallo) October 27, 2021

Visibility and representation matters – and Cavallo has taken it upon himself to pave the way for others in the hope of making the sport he loves a more inclusive one. “I’m a footballer, and I’m gay” might seem like a simple statement to many, but for millions of us around the world, those six words represent a historic moment in football.

Cavallo’s unprecedented bravery to embrace who he is, and to do so on such a huge stage, brings us that little bit closer to a game that’s truly representative of those who follow it. Salute to Cavallo for opening up to the world and empowering countless people - fans and players alike - that it’s okay to be who you are.