Football’s first openly-gay player confirms he is engaged

Joshua Cavallo became the first openly-gay male professional footballer in 2021

Australian footballer Joshua Cavallo has confirmed that he is engaged to his long-term partner Leighton Morrell.

Cavallo made history in 2021 by becoming the first active male professional footballer to come out.

The Adelaide United midfielder received unwavering support at the time and continues to do so as he announced his recent life update.

Posting to social media, the 24-year-old thanked his club for helping plan his surprise proposal to Morrell, an electrician.

“Starting this year with my fiancé,” he posted alongisde a picture of himself on one knee.

“Thank you @adelaideunited for helping set up this surprise.

“You have provided a safe space in football, one that I never in my dreams thought could ever be possible. To share this special moment on the pitch, where it all started.”

Starting this year with my fiancée 💍❤️

Thank you @adelaideunited for helping set up this surprise.

You have provided a safe space in football, one that I never in my dreams thought could ever be possible. To share this special moment on the pitch, where it all started ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/9ThwrN2Yol

— Josh Cavallo (@JoshuaCavallo) March 13, 2024

In the collage of pictures was also Morrell’s emotional reaction to the news, as well as a black and white image of the happy couple holding hands.

Cavallo opens up on recent abuse suffered

Since coming out in 2021 Cavallo has been a leading voice for gay rights and the LGBTQIA+ community but has sadly been at the centre of vile abuse.

Speaking about the online abuse on social media last year, the midfielder said: “I share my life via this social media platform to help individuals grow around the world. To feel empowered in their own skin. To be comfortable with the person they wish to be.

“I’m hand-on-heart so proud of how much my football club and the LGBTQIA+ community have grown in the world of football but we have to remember there is still a huge amount of work left.

“We are in 2023 and this behaviour can be more harmful than you think. 

“Two years on from my coming out journey, and I go through my every-day life being reminded how people wish me dead.”