Josh Cavallo, the first openly homosexual footballer in professional football, made a romantic proposal to his partner, Leighton Morrell, at Adelaide United’s stadium, Hindmarsh Stadium.
Sharing the heartfelt moment on social media, Cavallo expressed gratitude to Adelaide United for arranging the surprise proposal.
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
Reflecting on his journey, Cavallo acknowledged the club’s role in providing a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals in football. Previously, Cavallo’s decision to come out in 2021 garnered widespread support from both fans and major football clubs worldwide, including Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, and AC Milan.
FIFA and Barcelona also commended his courage in normalizing diversity in sports. Despite the positive response, Cavallo acknowledged the challenges of being openly gay in professional football, highlighting the need for inclusivity and equality in the sport.
While he hopes his journey inspires others, he recognizes the ongoing struggle for acceptance faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in football.
