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

Since revealing he was gay in 2021, player Josh Cavallo has faced constant threats and abusive messages on online platforms.

“When I first saw these messages, I was devastated,” Cavallo explains. “No-one wants to read things like that.

“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.”

Player Cavallo was playing for Adelaide United back in 2020 when he emerged as the sole publicly out elite soccer player in the world.

This summer he left Australia to sign with lower-tier club Peterborough Sports, who play in front of crowds of about 400 in National League North, one level below of English football.

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

“Absolutely, there's enormous work ahead,” the footballer comments when questioned about ongoing issues with homophobia.

“Rarely a week passes without encountering problems.”

‘Individuals wish to hurt me’

It took years for the athlete to work up the courage to say “I am homosexual” before revealing his sexuality on October 27th, 2021.

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

Cavallo was 21 and making a name for himself at Adelaide United in the premier division when, with the support of his team-mates, he publicly came out.

“I didn't know what was ahead. I didn't know what to expect,” he recalls. “The moment seemed appropriate in my life. I wanted to take the next step.”

The heartfelt revelation clip, titled ‘Josh's Truth’, went viral on digital platforms.

“My phone was flooded with encouraging words. The response was incredible.”

Liverpool were among numerous famous teams around the world to show solidarity with Cavallo, with the coach at the time Jurgen Klopp saying: “I'm really thankful that he did it because it sparks conversation.”

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique also expressed backing, writing on social media that “soccer culture is lagging behind and you are helping us move forward”, while his former club released a comment backing their “remarkable” and “brave” player.

Some people, however, were not so accepting.

The footballer quickly became a subject to anti-gay remarks by opposition fans.

In January 2022 a competing team were fined five thousand dollars over discriminatory chants from fans aimed toward Cavallo during a match.

“The comments I encountered were painful and derogatory towards LGBTQ people,” he says.

“I remained calm because responding would encourage detractors.”

There was a frightening incident at a gas station in Australia, where Cavallo was assaulted by an individual who identified him from the media attention.

“It was terrifying,” he recalls. “I remember thinking ‘this is happening - people want to harm me’.

“Is it acceptable? Absolutely 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 professional standard doesn't have to experience the path I have experienced.”

Cavallo says the daily death threats and hostile communications have affected his mental health.

“It's quite sad because I must justify why I belong on the football field for being who I am,” he says.

“We don't sit straight people down and ask ‘why should you exist in football?’.

“A lot of people see me as a smiling, optimistic person. But sometimes when I lean on my fiance, his name, and he gets to see a lot that happens privately.”

‘Top-tier athlete revealing orientation would create waves’

Cavallo's decision to disclose his orientation helped prompt teenage Blackpool forward Jake Daniels to come out as the UK's only openly gay active male professional footballer in May 2022.

Nevertheless, there are zero publicly LGBTQ athletes in the top English division.

“It would move mountains,” comments Cavallo on the effect a elite athlete coming out would make.

“But I must be honest. There are a lot of scary things that would come this person's way. Within soccer culture, identifying as LGBTQ is a very toxic place.”

Twenty-seven years after Justin Fashanu - the UK's initial out soccer professional - died by suicide in 1998, the current athlete has discussed the “toxic masculinity” that persists in professional soccer.

“You just need to go to a game and observe the hostile environment and masculinity that the audience creates,” he explains.

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

“Progress has been limited (more players coming out) as frequently as desired.

“I can only keep pushing for principles I believe in, and strive for eliminating the toxic masculinity in soccer locker rooms and establishing secure environments.”

‘I'm here to create change’

Cavallo says football has enabled discussions inside dressing rooms about coming out.

Yet, he is critical of soccer's global governing body, after the Middle Eastern nation, where same-sex relationships are illegal, staged the global tournament in 2022.

Future World Cup will be held in Saudi Arabia, where homosexuality is also illegal.

“Am I impressed that the global championship is in nations that criminalise same-sex marriages, where people like me will be imprisoned for merely living on their territory? It's scary,” states Cavallo.

“I receive communications [from residents of such nations] saying ‘I'm about to be put in prison for my identity - is assistance possible?’.

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

“There are countries that are huge in terms of football and they don't accept the queer community. These places that often focus on me.”

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

“Football has enabled dialogue in the changing room. It lets me communicate and inform individuals who seek understanding.

“Some will disapprove for your identity. But I've discovered support. I have found my community.

“My purpose is to drive progress. That's my objective.”