Josh Cavallo: 'I think the fans deserve honesty.' Photo / Adelaide United FC
Gay footballer Josh Cavallo has alleged on social media that his departure from Adelaide United followed experiences of homophobia within the club.
In October 2021, Cavallo was the first active top-flight footballer in the world to come out as gay.
The 26-year-old this week posted a statement on Instagram claiming he was sidelined by Adelaide’s new management because of his sexuality.
“People thought I was sidelined based on injuries, when in reality, it was internal homophobia that kept me on the bench,” Cavallo said.
“It’s taken me a while to digest how my time at Adelaide United ended, but I think the fans deserve honesty.
“Leaving the club had nothing to do with football. Decisions were made by people in power that blocked my opportunities, not because of my talent, but because of who I choose to love. Under the new management, it became clear that I wasn’t allowed on the pitch because of politics. It’s hard to swallow when I realised my own club was homophobic.”
In a statement the club has responded to Cavallo’s claims.
“The Club is extremely disappointed by the claims made and categorically rejects the allegations, including any suggestion that Adelaide United is homophobic. All on-field decisions relating to team selection are made solely on footballing grounds.
“Adelaide United has always been committed to fostering an inclusive environment for players, staff and supporters and we remain proud of our ongoing work to promote inclusion across football.
“Strengthening inclusivity must remain an ongoing focus for the game, and the Club looks forward to hosting the fourth annual Pride Cup this weekend against Melbourne Victory. The Club will not be making any further comment at this time.”
Cavallo played for Adelaide United from 2021 to 2025, making 49 appearances for them, getting less time on the field in his final seasons with the side.
“I stayed professional, kept my head down, and worked hard every day which I’m proud of. Yet no matter how much I produced or improved, my contributions were continuously ignored. It brought a lot of negativity and affected my wellbeing as a professional footballer.
“This was exactly the fear I had about coming out, seeing prejudice affect my career in modern day. For the first time, I actually questioned if I should have kept my sexuality a secret. This brought up fears I had about coming out publicly, that being myself would affect my career. I felt incredibly isolated and wondered if I’d made the mistake of sharing my story.”
Cavallo claimed he did not get support from teammates at the club.
“I felt things going backwards, not just on the pitch, but in the one place I thought was a safe space and after seeing a group chat of teammates mocking a picture of me and my partner only added to this heartache.”
He thanked the side’s fans and the Adelaide community for their support.
“Despite the way it ended behind the scenes, I refuse to let it ruin my connection to this city. Adelaide is where I found my wings. To the fans and supporters: thank you for your passion and backing. You deserve honesty and success. You were incredible to play in front of. Thank you.”
In 2024, Cavallo proposed to his partner Leighton Morrell on the pitch at Adelaide’s home ground.
Cavallo left Adelaide at the end of the last A-League season, signing with Peterborough Sports FC, a side playing lower-league football in the UK.
When he left, Adelaide United said in a statement that Cavallo was a “symbol of courage” whose legacy would “transcend the game”.
Adelaide United FC has been approached for comment.