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“You shouldn't exist” ... “Why are you here?” ... “Don't take another breath.”

After announcing his homosexuality in 2021, player Josh Cavallo has received daily death threats and hateful comments on social media.

“Upon reading those comments, I was devastated,” the player explains. “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 face criticism because of who I am. It's appalling.”

Midfielder Cavallo was playing for Adelaide United four years ago when he became the only openly gay elite soccer player in the world.

This summer he departed from Australia to sign with lower-tier club Peterborough Sports, who compete before audiences of about 400 in National League North, one level below of the English soccer system.

This young athlete balances his sports career for the Cambridgeshire part-timers by advocating for LGBTQ+ issues and using his profile - boasting over a million followers on social media - to promote fairness and inclusion.

“Absolutely, we've got mountains to do,” the footballer says when asked if football still has a problem with homophobia.

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

‘People want to harm me’

It took years for the athlete to work up the courage to say “I'm gay” before revealing his sexuality on October 27th, 2021.

“All I want to do is compete in soccer and be treated equally,” he said in an related clip.

The player was 21 and building his reputation at Adelaide United in the premier division when, with the support of his team-mates, he publicly came out.

“I didn't know what was ahead. I had no expectations,” 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 social media.

“My mobile phone exploded with messages of support. It was overwhelming.”

Liverpool were one of many high-profile clubs around the world to express support for Cavallo, with the coach at the time the German manager saying: “I appreciate that he took this step because it sparks conversation.”

Barcelona defender the athlete also offered support, writing on social media that “the world of football is lagging behind and your actions drive progress”, while his former club released a comment backing their “extraordinary” and “courageous” player.

Others, however, were not so accepting.

The footballer quickly became a target of anti-gay remarks by opposition fans.

During early 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 painful and derogatory towards my community,” he explains.

“I didn't react because responding would encourage detractors.”

A scary event occurred at a petrol station in Australia, where the athlete was physically attacked by someone who recognised him from the media attention.

“It was terrifying,” he remembers. “I remember thinking ‘this is happening - people want to harm me’.

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

“I hope that the next person who reveals their orientation while playing football at a high level won't face the journey I have endured.”

The player says the daily death threats and hostile communications have taken a toll on his psychological well-being.

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

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

“Many individuals see me as a smiling, optimistic person. But sometimes when I lean on my fiance, Leighton, and he witnesses a lot that happens behind the scenes.”

‘Premier League player coming out would move mountains’

The player's choice to disclose his orientation helped prompt 17-year-old attacking player another athlete to announce he was gay as the UK's only openly gay active male professional footballer in May 2022.

However, there are zero publicly LGBTQ athletes in the Premier League.

“It would move mountains,” comments the footballer on the impact a elite athlete coming out would make.

“But I must be honest. Numerous frightening aspects that would await this individual. In the world of football, being an openly gay player is a highly hostile environment.”

Twenty-seven years after a pioneering player - Britain's first openly gay male footballer - died by suicide in 1998, Cavallo has spoken about the “harmful male culture” that persists in men's football.

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

“Much remains to be done to ensure there is a safe space in soccer for individuals like me and Jake.

“Progress has been limited (more players coming out) as frequently as desired.

“My role is to continue advocating for principles I believe in, and work towards eliminating the toxic masculinity in football changing rooms and creating a safe space.”

‘My mission is to drive progress’

Cavallo says football has allowed him to have conversations inside dressing rooms about coming out.

However, he is critical of soccer's global governing body, after Qatar, where homosexual partnerships are against the law, hosted the men's World Cup in 2022.

The 2034 tournament will be held in another Gulf state, where homosexuality is similarly prohibited.

“Do I approve that the World Cup is in countries that criminalise same-sex marriages, where individuals like myself will be put in prison for merely living on that land? It's scary,” states Cavallo.

“I get messages [from people living in these countries] saying ‘I face imprisonment for being who I am - is assistance possible?’.

“It's devastating that individuals are incarcerated for being who they are.

“Certain nations that are huge in terms of football and they don't accept the queer community. These places that often focus on me.”

Despite this, the footballer says he will not stop speaking up.

“Soccer has enabled dialogue in the locker room. It lets me communicate and educate people who seek understanding.

“Not everyone is going to like you for who you are. But I've discovered support. I've connected with similar people.

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