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“You don't belong on this earth” ... “Why are you here?” ... “Stop breathing.”

After announcing his homosexuality in 2021, footballer Josh Cavallo has received daily death threats and abusive messages on online platforms.

“Upon reading those comments, it broke my heart,” Cavallo states. “No-one wants to read things like that.

“I'm trying to get better as a player and reach my full potential on the pitch, and then get put down due to my identity. It's disgusting.”

Midfielder the sportsman was at Adelaide United four years ago when he emerged as the sole publicly out elite soccer player in the world.

Recently he left Australia to join 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 Cambridgeshire part-timers by speaking up on inclusion matters and using his profile - he has more than one million followers on Instagram - to promote fairness and acceptance.

“Absolutely, there's enormous work ahead,” the footballer says when asked if football still has a problem with discrimination.

“Rarely a week passes without hearing about an issue.”

‘People want to harm me’

Several years passed for the athlete to build up the bravery to say “I'm gay” before revealing his sexuality on 27 October 2021.

“My only desire is compete in soccer and receive fair treatment,” he stated in an accompanying video.

The player was 21 and making a name for himself at his Australian club in the premier division when, backed by his colleagues, 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 needed to move forward.”

His emotional coming out video, entitled ‘His Personal Story’, gained massive attention on digital platforms.

“My mobile phone exploded with encouraging words. It was overwhelming.”

Liverpool were among numerous famous teams around the world to express support for Cavallo, with then manager the German manager saying: “I'm really thankful that he took this step because it sparks conversation.”

Spanish player the athlete also offered support, writing on social media that “the world of football is far behind and your actions drive progress”, while Adelaide United issued a statement supporting their “remarkable” and “brave” player.

Some people, however, were less welcoming.

Cavallo quickly became a target of anti-gay remarks by rival supporters.

In January 2022 Melbourne Victory were penalized A$5,000 over anti-gay abuse from fans aimed toward the player during a match.

“The comments I encountered were painful and disparaging towards my community,” he says.

“I didn't react because I knew that would only feed the haters.”

A scary event occurred at a petrol station in Australia, where Cavallo was assaulted by an individual who identified him from the coverage.

“It was terrifying,” he recalls. “I remember thinking ‘this is real - individuals intend to hurt me’.

“Should this be tolerated? Absolutely not. But by coming out, this is what it brings.

“I hope that future individuals who reveals their orientation while playing football at a professional standard doesn't have to experience the journey I have endured.”

The player says the daily death threats and hostile communications have taken a toll on his mental health.

“It's quite sad because I am having to explain why I belong on the soccer pitch for my identity,” he says.

“Heterosexual players aren't questioned and ask ‘what gives you the right in football?’.

“Many individuals see me as a cheerful, optimistic person. But there are days when I lean on my fiance, Leighton, and he gets to see a lot that happens privately.”

‘Top-tier athlete revealing orientation would create waves’

The player's choice to reveal his sexuality helped inspire 17-year-old attacking player Jake Daniels to come out as the UK's only openly gay playing soccer professional in spring 2022.

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

“It would move mountains,” says Cavallo on the effect a Premier League player coming out would have.

“But I must be honest. Numerous frightening aspects that would await this individual. Within soccer culture, identifying as LGBTQ is a very toxic place.”

Over two decades after Justin Fashanu - Britain's first openly gay male footballer - took his own life in 1998, Cavallo has discussed the “harmful male culture” that persists in professional soccer.

“You just need to go to a match and see the hostile environment and male-dominated culture that the audience creates,” he says.

“Much remains to be done to ensure there is a secure environment in soccer for people like myself and Jake.

“We haven't seen it (additional athletes revealing their orientation) as frequently as desired.

“My role is to continue advocating for principles I believe in, and strive for taking out the harmful male norms in football changing rooms and creating a safe space.”

‘I'm here to create change’

Cavallo says soccer has enabled discussions within team environments about coming out.

Yet, he is critical of soccer's global governing body, after Qatar, where same-sex relationships are illegal, hosted the men's World Cup in 2022.

The 2034 tournament will be held in another Gulf state, where homosexuality is also illegal.

“Do I approve that the global championship is in nations that criminalise same-sex marriages, where individuals like myself will be imprisoned for merely living on their territory? It's scary,” says Cavallo.

“I get messages [from residents of such nations] saying ‘I'm about to be put in prison for being who I am - can you help me?’.

“It's devastating that people are getting locked up for being who they are.

“There are countries that are significant soccer markets and they reject the queer community. These places that tend to target me.”

Despite this, Cavallo says he will not stop speaking up.

“Football has enabled dialogue in the locker room. It has allowed me to speak and educate people who seek understanding.

“Some will disapprove for your identity. But I have found my family. I've connected with similar people.

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