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

After announcing he was gay in 2021, player Josh Cavallo has received daily death threats and abusive messages on social media.

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

“I'm working to improve my skills and reach my full potential during matches, and then get put down due to my identity. It's appalling.”

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

Recently he departed from Australia to join lower-tier club Peterborough Sports, who play in front of crowds of about 400 in National League North, the sixth tier of English football.

The 25-year-old balances his sports career for the Cambridgeshire part-timers by advocating for LGBTQ+ issues and leveraging his platform - he has more than one million followers on social media - to champion equality and inclusion.

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

“I don't go more than a week without encountering problems.”

‘People want to harm me’

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

“My only desire is play football and receive fair treatment,” he said in an related clip.

Cavallo was 21 and making a name for himself at Adelaide United in the premier division when, backed by his colleagues, he publicly came out.

“I didn't know what was ahead. I had no expectations,” he says. “The moment seemed appropriate in my life. I wanted to take the next step.”

His emotional coming out video, entitled ‘His Personal Story’, gained massive attention on social media.

“My mobile phone exploded with encouraging words. It was overwhelming.”

Liverpool were one of many high-profile clubs around the world to express support for the player, with then manager the German manager saying: “I appreciate that he did it because now we talk again.”

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique also offered support, writing on social media that “the world of football is lagging behind and you are helping us move forward”, while his former club released a comment backing their “remarkable” and “courageous” player.

Some people, however, were not so accepting.

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

During early 2022 Melbourne Victory were penalized five thousand dollars over discriminatory chants from spectators directed at the player during a match.

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

“I remained calm because responding would encourage detractors.”

There was a frightening incident at a gas station in Australia, where Cavallo was physically attacked by an individual who identified him from the media attention.

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

“Is it acceptable? Absolutely not. But by coming out, this is what it brings.

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

The player says the daily death threats and abusive messages have affected his psychological well-being.

“It's disappointing because I must justify why I belong on the football field for my identity,” he states.

“Heterosexual players aren't questioned and ask ‘what gives you the right in football?’.

“A lot of people see me as a smiling, positive person. But sometimes when I rely on my partner, Leighton, and he witnesses a lot that happens behind the scenes.”

‘Top-tier athlete revealing orientation would create waves’

The player's choice to reveal his sexuality helped inspire teenage Blackpool forward Jake Daniels to come out as the UK's only openly gay active male professional footballer in May 2022.

However, there are no openly gay or bisexual players in the top English division.

“It would create massive change,” comments Cavallo on the impact a elite athlete revealing their orientation would have.

“But I'm not going to sugar-coat it. Numerous frightening aspects that would await this individual. Within soccer culture, identifying as LGBTQ is a highly hostile environment.”

Over two decades after Justin Fashanu - Britain's first openly gay male footballer - took his own life in 1998, the current athlete has spoken about the “harmful male culture” that still exists in men's football.

“Simply attend to a match and observe the hostile environment and male-dominated culture that the audience creates,” he explains.

“Much remains to be done to make sure there is a secure environment in football for people like myself and Jake.

“We haven't seen it (more players coming out) as frequently as desired.

“I can only keep pushing 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 revealing one's orientation.

However, he is critical of soccer's global governing body, after the Middle Eastern nation, where same-sex relationships are against the law, hosted the men's World Cup in 2022.

Future World Cup will be held in another Gulf state, where same-sex attraction is also illegal.

“Do I approve that the global championship is in countries that criminalise same-sex marriages, where individuals like myself will be imprisoned for just existing on their territory? It's scary,” states the athlete.

“I receive communications [from people living in these countries] saying ‘I'm about to be put in prison for being who I am - is assistance possible?’.

“It's devastating that people are getting locked up for being who they are.

“Certain nations that are significant soccer markets and they don't accept the queer community. Those are the countries that often focus on me.”

Nevertheless, the footballer says he won't cease advocating.

“Soccer has enabled dialogue in the locker room. It lets me communicate and educate people who want to learn more.

“Not everyone is going to like you for your identity. But I've discovered support. I have found my community.

“My purpose is to drive progress. That's what I'm here for.”