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“You don't belong on this earth” ... “Why are you here?” ... “Don't take another breath.”

Since revealing he was gay in 2021, footballer Josh Cavallo has faced constant threats and abusive messages on social media.

“Upon reading those comments, it broke my heart,” Cavallo explains. “Nobody should have to endure such words.

“I'm trying to get better as a player and be the best I can be on the pitch, and then face criticism because of who I am. It's disgusting.”

Midfielder the sportsman was playing for Adelaide United back in 2020 when he became the only openly gay top-flight male professional footballer in the world.

This summer he departed from Australia to join non-league Peterborough Sports, who play in front of crowds of about 400 in National League North, one level below of English football.

The 25-year-old combines playing for the semi-professional team by speaking up on inclusion matters and using his profile - he has more than one million followers on Instagram - to champion equality and acceptance.

“Definitely, there's enormous work ahead,” Cavallo says when questioned about ongoing issues with discrimination.

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

‘Individuals wish to hurt me’

It took years for the athlete to build up the bravery to say “I am homosexual” before revealing his sexuality on October 27th, 2021.

“All I want to do is play football and receive fair treatment,” he said in an related clip.

The player was 21 and building his reputation at his Australian club in the premier division when, backed by his colleagues, he announced his orientation publicly.

“The future was uncertain. I didn't know what to expect,” he says. “The moment seemed appropriate in my life. I needed to move forward.”

His emotional coming out video, entitled ‘His Personal Story’, went viral on digital platforms.

“My phone was flooded with encouraging words. The response was incredible.”

Liverpool were among numerous famous teams around the world to express support for Cavallo, with the coach at the time Jurgen Klopp saying: “I'm really thankful that he did it because now we talk again.”

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique also offered support, posting online that “soccer culture is lagging behind and you are helping us move forward”, while Adelaide United issued a statement supporting their “extraordinary” and “brave” player.

Others, however, were not so accepting.

The footballer soon turned into a target of anti-gay remarks by rival supporters.

In January 2022 a competing team were penalized five thousand dollars over anti-gay abuse from fans aimed toward Cavallo during a game.

“The things I'd hear were hurtful and disparaging towards LGBTQ people,” he explains.

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

There was a frightening incident at a gas station in Australia, where Cavallo was assaulted by an individual who identified him from the coverage.

“That was a scary moment,” he remembers. “I remember thinking ‘this is real - people want to harm me’.

“Should this be tolerated? Definitely not. But through my disclosure, these are the consequences.

“My wish is that the next person who comes out while competing in soccer at a professional standard won't face the path I have endured.”

Cavallo says the constant menacing messages and abusive messages have affected his psychological well-being.

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

“Heterosexual players aren't questioned and ask ‘why should you exist in football?’.

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

‘Premier League player coming out would move mountains’

Cavallo's decision to disclose his orientation helped prompt 17-year-old attacking player another athlete to come out as the Britain's sole publicly out playing soccer professional in May 2022.

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

“It would move mountains,” comments Cavallo on the impact a Premier League player revealing their orientation would have.

“But I must be honest. Numerous frightening aspects that would come this person's way. In the world of football, being an openly gay player is a very toxic place.”

Over two decades after a pioneering player - the UK's initial out soccer professional - took his own life in 1998, the current athlete has spoken about the “harmful male culture” that persists in men's football.

“Simply attend to a game and observe the unfriendly atmosphere and masculinity that the audience creates,” he explains.

“There is still a lot of work to make sure there is a secure environment in soccer for people like myself and Jake.

“Progress has been limited (additional athletes revealing their orientation) as frequently as desired.

“I can only keep pushing for what I think is right, and work towards eliminating the toxic masculinity in football changing rooms and creating a safe space.”

‘My mission is to drive progress’

Cavallo says soccer has enabled discussions inside dressing rooms about coming out.

Yet, he is disapproving toward Fifa, after the Middle Eastern nation, where homosexual partnerships are against the law, staged the global tournament in 2022.

Future World Cup will be held in Saudi Arabia, where same-sex attraction is similarly prohibited.

“Am I impressed that the World Cup is in nations that criminalise same-sex marriages, where people like me will be put in prison for just existing on their territory? It's scary,” states Cavallo.

“I receive communications [from residents of such nations] saying ‘I face imprisonment for being who I am - is assistance possible?’.

“It breaks my heart that people are getting locked up for their true selves.

“There are countries that are significant soccer markets and they reject the queer community. Those are the countries that often focus on me.”

Despite this, the footballer says he won't cease advocating.

“Soccer has allowed me to start conversations in the changing room. It lets me communicate and inform individuals who seek understanding.

“Some will disapprove for who you are. But I have found my family. I've connected with similar people.

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