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A who’s who of football legends have expressed their praise and admiration for Adelaide United player Josh Cavallo, after he courageously came out on Wednesday.
The 21-year old became the first A-League player, and one of just a handful around the world, to be openly gay, after posting a lengthy statement and video to his Twitter account.
— Josh Cavallo (@JoshuaCavallo) October 27, 2021
Past and current champions – and some of the world’s biggest clubs – have since expressed their support en masse across various social media forums, as the football world unites behind Cavallo.
England and Aston Villa star Tyrone Mings led the charge among the current crop, describing Cavallo as ‘absolutely brilliant’; while football icon Zlatan Ibrahimovic wrote: “You are a champion. Football is for everybody. Big respect.” Their show of support were two among hundreds, as everyone from Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea to reigning World Cup winner with France, Antoine Griezmann, sending Cavallo messages of support.
Barcelona veteran Gerard Pique hoped the Australian will bring about changes in attitudes towards LGBTIQ people in the sport, Tweeting: “The world of football is far behind and you are helping to move us forward.”
Hey @JoshuaCavallo, I don’t have the pleasure to know you personally but I want to thank you for this step that you take. The world of football is far behind and you are helping us move forward. https://t.co/pe8xdJl15i
— Gerard Piqué (@3gerardpique) October 27, 2021
Absolutely brilliant. I admire your strength of character to be proud of who you are. We’re all with you. I’m sure you’ve inspired many, many people with this ???????? https://t.co/Xfobm4Kk8C
— Tyrone Mings (@OfficialTM_3) October 27, 2021
You are a Champion. Fotball is for everybody. Big respect ????️???? https://t.co/WhQkl2H1u0
— Zlatan Ibrahimović (@Ibra_official) October 27, 2021
This must have taken much courage, Josh. You have my full support!! ???????? https://t.co/sJDTd2JFmD
— Raphaël Varane (@raphaelvarane) October 27, 2021
I know this took a lot of courage Josh. Know that the entire football community stands with you. Enjoy this freedom now, enjoy your peace. So much respect for you brother ????????????????@JoshuaCavallo https://t.co/A3eFubgPlr
— Marcus Rashford MBE (@MarcusRashford) October 27, 2021
Proud of you @JoshuaCavallo ✊????❤️ pic.twitter.com/VRU5Dda0s8
— Antoine Griezmann (@AntoGriezmann) October 27, 2021
Huge respect to Josh for doing this. It’s courageous and shares an important message that everyone deserves to be themselves no matter what. https://t.co/f3KEr5Pjxp
— Jordan Henderson (@JHenderson) October 27, 2021
Big respect for @JoshuaCavallo. Football is for everyone ????????❤️ https://t.co/0qncbztso8
— Jesse Lingard (@JesseLingard) October 27, 2021
Brave and inspiring, always be yourself. https://t.co/yavVezLaYV
— David de Gea (@D_DeGea) October 27, 2021
Former greats of the game were also quick to praise Cavallo, with England legend Gary Lineker saying he is ‘full of praise’ for the Aussie. “I’m sure the overwhelming majority of football lovers will support him and erase the fear others may have,” the 1990 FIFA Fair Play Award recipient wrote.
He wasn’t alone, with other retired champions from Rio Ferdinand to Robin van Persie joining the chorus of acclaim.
It’s absurd that coming out is a brave thing to do in football. It is though, and I’m full of admiration for Josh for treading a path hopefully many others will follow. I’m sure the overwhelming majority of football lovers will support him and erase the fear others may have. https://t.co/iDvg67qN7s
— Gary Lineker ???? (@GaryLineker) October 27, 2021
What an inspiring young man!
Thank you for your courage, everyone has the right to be themselves.
Just stay yourself and enjoy the life you choose to live ❤️ https://t.co/b1EO3X7sdt— Robin van Persie (@Persie_Official) October 27, 2021
Strength & bravery personified here.
???????? https://t.co/OlM6EUGvYR— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) October 27, 2021
Support for Cavallo wasn’t just restricted to players; a host of the biggest clubs in world sport have united behind the 21-year old, from Premier League behemoths and the League itself:
Proud of you @JoshuaCavallo for your strength and bravery.
You'll Never Walk Alone ❤️ #RedTogether https://t.co/1zOmGBnCRf
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 27, 2021
Huge respect, Josh ❤️
We, and millions of others, are inspired by your bravery and strength ????️????#MUFC | #allredallequal https://t.co/bAizUQ80Pg pic.twitter.com/VEbxxHUbxI
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 27, 2021
We admire your strength to pave the way, Josh.
All of Chelsea FC is with you. ????
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 27, 2021
Proud of you, Josh. Thank you for your courage. ✊
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) October 27, 2021
The footballing world is behind you and we wish you all the very best ❤️????????????????????
— Premier League (@premierleague) October 27, 2021
… to giants from across Europe…
THANK YOU, @JoshuaCavallo, for taking a huge step forward! Your courage contributes to normalizing diversity in the world of sports. ????️???? https://t.co/5HvCnwy8PI
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 27, 2021
We stand with you @JoshuaCavallo#WeRespAct https://t.co/5LdkFWR2XK
— AC Milan (@acmilan) October 27, 2021
Josh, we admire your courage and strength. We hope you continue to inspire more people to live their truth. https://t.co/AXeJQSxzbV
— FC Bayern München (@FCBayern) October 27, 2021
Proud of you, Josh! ???????? #DifferencesMakeTheDifference
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) October 27, 2021
A great step for our sport ???????????? https://t.co/YSEjPc0IeF
— Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) October 27, 2021
… and even made it all the way to the Americas.
Thank you for sharing your strength and courage, @JoshuaCavallo. ❤️ https://t.co/OrSnXctAo5
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 27, 2021
Proud of you @JoshuaCavallo. ❤️????️???? https://t.co/h1RvMsvmok
— U.S. Soccer MNT (@USMNT) October 27, 2021
No one should be afraid to be themselves. ????
Thank you @JoshuaCavallo for being yourself and inspiring millions. ❤️ https://t.co/dMZzTsxneg
— Mexican National Team (@miseleccionmxEN) October 27, 2021
Even FIFA’s own Twitter account was part of the show of support.
"I'm a footballer, and i'm gay."
You no longer have to hide who you are @joshuacavallo. You are not alone, as the football community around the world today has shown.
We are very proud of you. Your words will be an inspiration & support to so many.pic.twitter.com/VifFoLIZS8
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) October 27, 2021
The support even extended beyond the world of sport, with US talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, a noted LGBTIQ activist whose own coming out in 1997 sparked far less universal support, ‘sending… a whole lot of love’ to Cavallo.
.@JoshuaCavallo is the first top-flight professional footballer to come out as gay. I’m sending him a whole lot of love today. https://t.co/Yh6dRUJHXB
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) October 27, 2021
Even perpetually controversial English presenter Piers Morgan could only find good things to say about Cavallo, saying bluntly: “Anyone who has a problem with it or wants to taunt you about your sexuality is not a real football fan.. or anyone worth bothering about.”
Well done, Josh. All real football fans will be happy for you & very admiring of your guts in doing this.
Anyone who has a problem with it or wants to taunt you about your sexuality is not a real football fan.. or anyone worth bothering about. https://t.co/OkbXMNBpV9— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) October 27, 2021
Closer to home, Cavallo’s coming out has been met with Australia-wide support, from his Adelaide United brethren…
????????❤️ inspiration to all https://t.co/crN1VH5qdW
— Stefan Mauk (@StefanMauk) October 27, 2021
What a man. Your @AdelaideUnited fam is behind you ❤️ https://t.co/2Mc39s2wcq
— meleri mullan (@melerimullan) October 27, 2021
Today I am even prouder that we signed you! @JoshuaCavallo #Bravo @AdelaideUnited https://t.co/B1kkK7cD4v
— Bruce Djité (@BDjite) October 27, 2021
Couldn’t be more proud of this great guy! ????????????????❤️❤️ https://t.co/wXvIjBsvZF
— Piet van der Pol (@pvanderpol) October 27, 2021
… to A-League rivals…
Well done for your courage today, @JoshuaCavallo.
You’ll be a shining light for many future generations of footballers ????????#SydneyIsSkyBlue https://t.co/tTPVrj8q2K
— Sydney FC (@SydneyFC) October 27, 2021
Our Wanderers Family stands by you Josh and all that you represent ❤️???? #WSW https://t.co/kAxLbOYift
— WS Wanderers FC (@wswanderersfc) October 27, 2021
Well said, Josh. Proud of you. ????
— Melbourne Victory (@gomvfc) October 27, 2021
… and even to the AFL, the A-League’s long-time rival putting aside any enmities to stand with Cavallo.
Thank you for your courage and truth @JoshuaCavallo.
There's no doubt you will inspire countless others, just by being you. ????#weflyasone https://t.co/VqNRcacRuK
— Adelaide Crows (@Adelaide_FC) October 27, 2021
We always say everyone is welcome at the football ????
Thank you for being so courageous Josh. Let’s all continue to celebrate diversity and ensure everyone feels respected. https://t.co/4YxIvWTJzP
— Sydney Swans (@sydneyswans) October 27, 2021
Thank you for having the courage to be yourself and tell your story, Josh. https://t.co/FDjgeTfuVq
— Richmond FC ???? (@Richmond_FC) October 27, 2021
Inspirational, @JoshuaCavallo ❤️
Your strength and courage will help more people live their truth. https://t.co/HQTZ1l8LEV
— Western Bulldogs (@westernbulldogs) October 28, 2021
Matildas star Sam Kerr and Australian football icon Craig Foster offered their own touching messages, as did the Socceroos’ social media account.
Good for you @JoshuaCavallo ❤️ https://t.co/kVwP2jXxch
— Sam Kerr (@samkerr1) October 27, 2021
Great Josh ????
Good for you brother ????
No one should have to hide who they are and the ball doesn’t care about colour, race, religion, gender, sexuality..
Just how you play.
That should be life.. all the best this season.
From your new fan. https://t.co/kThe9XimA3
— Craig Foster (@Craig_Foster) October 27, 2021
The Socceroos stand shoulder to shoulder with Josh Cavallo, whose brave news has resonated around the globe and will help to make society and football stronger and more inclusive. https://t.co/C5uVHuTLnh
— Socceroos (@Socceroos) October 27, 2021
Last but not least, Football Australia issued a statement on their Twitter account, praising both Cavallo and former A-League player Andy Brennan, who became the first openly gay Australian footballer in 2019 while playing for Hume City in the National Premier Leagues Victoria.
“His [Cavallo’s] courage to be open with himself and share that part with others is inspiring and will hopefully inspire more footballers to do the same in the future,” it reads.
We applaud the courage shown by @AndyBrennan36 and now @JoshuaCavallo.
The football community supports you all the way ❤️ pic.twitter.com/PDfguKL46z
— Football Australia (@FootballAUS) October 27, 2021
The biggest and most popular sport on the planet, all united behind Josh Cavallo. It might be Australian football’s most powerful moment ever.