A-League Men player Josh Cavallo expressed gratitude to Adelaide United after getting engaged to his partner on the field at the club’s Hindmarsh Stadium.
Cavallo made headlines as the world’s only openly gay male professional footballer in a top-flight league at the time in October 2021 and has since been a vocal advocate for LGBTQI+ rights.
The 24-year-old, who shared photos of his proposal to his partner Leighton Morrell on social media, stated that he wished to “share the special moment” at his home stadium.
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“Starting this year with my fiancé. Mr & Mr Coming soon,” Cavallo wrote in an Instagram post, along with a photo of him proposing to his partner.
“Thank you Adelaide United for helping arrange this surprise.
“Your endless support has meant so much to me.
“You have provided a safe space in football, one that I never imagined could be possible, and encouraged me to live authentically every day of my life.
“It felt right to share this special moment on the field, where it all began.”
Cavallo’s announcement has been widely celebrated on Instagram.
In February 2023, Czech Republic international Jakub Jankto — now playing for Serie A side Cagliari — became the highest-profile current male footballer to come out as gay.
AAP
