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

Since revealing he was gay in 2021, player Josh Cavallo has faced constant threats and abusive messages on online platforms.

“Upon reading those comments, I was devastated,” 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 during matches, and then get put down due to my identity. It's appalling.”

Player the sportsman was at Adelaide United back in 2020 when he became the only openly gay elite soccer player 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 the sixth division, one level below of the English soccer system.

This young athlete balances his sports career for the semi-professional team by advocating for LGBTQ+ issues and leveraging his platform - he has more than one million followers on social media - to champion equality and acceptance.

“Definitely, there's enormous work ahead,” Cavallo comments when asked if football still has a problem 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.

“My only desire is compete in soccer and be treated equally,” he stated in an related clip.

The player was twenty-one and making a name for himself at Adelaide United in Australia's top flight when, backed by his colleagues, he announced his orientation publicly.

“I didn't know what was ahead. I had no expectations,” he says. “The moment seemed appropriate in my life. I needed to move forward.”

The heartfelt revelation clip, entitled ‘His Personal Story’, went viral on digital platforms.

“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 Jurgen Klopp saying: “I'm really thankful that he did it because it sparks conversation.”

Spanish player the athlete also offered support, posting online that “soccer culture is lagging behind and you are helping us move forward”, while his former club released a comment backing their “remarkable” and “courageous” player.

Others, however, were less welcoming.

The footballer soon turned into a subject to homophobic abuse by rival supporters.

During early 2022 Melbourne Victory were penalized five thousand dollars over anti-gay abuse from fans directed at the player during a match.

“The comments I encountered were hurtful and disparaging towards LGBTQ people,” he explains.

“I remained calm because I knew that would only feed the haters.”

There was a frightening incident at a petrol station in Australia, where the athlete was physically attacked by an individual who identified him from the coverage.

“That was a scary moment,” he recalls. “The thought crossed my mind ‘this is happening - individuals intend to hurt me’.

“Is it acceptable? Definitely not. But through my disclosure, these are the consequences.

“I hope that future individuals who comes out while competing in soccer at a professional standard doesn't have to experience the path I have experienced.”

The player says the constant menacing messages and hostile communications have affected his mental health.

“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 ‘what gives you the right in football?’.

“Many individuals see me as a cheerful, optimistic person. But sometimes when I lean on my fiance, Leighton, and he gets to see much of what occurs privately.”

‘Premier League player coming out would move mountains’

The player's choice to disclose his orientation helped inspire teenage Blackpool forward another athlete to announce he was gay as the UK's only openly gay active male professional footballer in spring 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 revealing their orientation would make.

“But I'm not going to sugar-coat it. Numerous frightening aspects that would come this person's way. Within soccer culture, being an openly gay player is a very toxic place.”

Twenty-seven years after a pioneering player - the UK's initial out soccer professional - took his own life in 1998, Cavallo has discussed the “harmful male culture” that still exists in men's football.

“You just need to go to a game and observe the hostile environment and male-dominated culture that the audience creates,” he says.

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

“We haven't seen it (additional athletes revealing their orientation) as frequently as desired.

“My role is to continue advocating for what I think is right, and strive for taking out the harmful male norms in soccer locker rooms and establishing secure environments.”

‘My mission is to drive progress’

Cavallo says soccer has enabled discussions inside dressing rooms about revealing one's orientation.

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

Future World Cup is scheduled in another Gulf state, where homosexuality is similarly prohibited.

“Am I impressed that the World Cup is in countries that ban gay unions, where people like me will be put in prison for just existing on their territory? It's frightening,” says Cavallo.

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

“It breaks my heart that individuals are incarcerated for being who they are.

“There are countries that are significant soccer markets and they don't accept the queer community. Those are the countries that tend to target me.”

Nevertheless, Cavallo says he won't cease advocating.

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