Australian footballer Josh Cavallo says he regularly receives private messages from other players who are considering coming out publicly, after he did so himself in 2021.

Now 26, Cavallo became the first active male professional footballer to publicly come out as gay. At the time, he said he hoped to be a role model for others in the sport. Five years on, that impact is becoming clear: players from different teams are reaching out to him to share their own experiences.

Speaking on the It Started With a Kiss podcast, Cavallo said both opponents and teammates have contacted him. “They say: this is who I am, I’m part of the LGBTQ+ community, and thank you for being that representation,” he explained. According to Cavallo, some want to come out soon, others in a few years, and some may never do so.

At the same time, he points to the harsh reality within international football. In some countries where the sport is hugely popular, LGBTQ+ rights are almost nonexistent and severe punishments can apply. From those regions, he also receives hateful messages.

Despite that, Cavallo continues to speak out, saying he wants to make the path easier for those who come after him.