Josh cavallo, Australian midfielder for Adelaide United, has made the football pitch not only a playing field, but also a romantic setting for a special marriage proposal. In the emptiness of the Hindmarsh Stadium, Cavallo proposed to his partner Leighton Morrell, thanking his club for providing “a safe space in football” and supported LGBTQ+ rights.
The romantic gesture was shared with the world via social media, with Cavallo expressing his gratitude to Adelaide United for helping to organise the surprise. “Your endless support has meant a lot to me”, said the player, known for his commitment to gay rights. “You have provided me with a safe space in football that I never thought was possible, and encouraged me to live every day of my life authentically.”
Despite football being one of the most popular sports in the world, there are still few players who have come out, especially while they are still playing. Cavallo was one of the pioneers in 2021, when he came out publicly as gay. Other players, such as Blackpool's Jake Daniels, have followed his example, although most players who come out happen after they retire from competitive activity.
Article published on March 14, 2024 - 12pm
