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

After announcing his homosexuality in 2021, footballer the athlete has received daily death threats and abusive messages on online platforms.

“When I first saw these messages, I was devastated,” Cavallo states. “No-one wants to read things like that.

“I'm working to improve my skills and be the best I can be during matches, and then face criticism due to my identity. It's appalling.”

Midfielder the sportsman was playing for Adelaide United back in 2020 when he emerged as the sole publicly out elite soccer player in the world.

Recently he left Australia to join lower-tier club Peterborough Sports, who compete before audiences of about 400 in the sixth division, one level below of English football.

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

“Definitely, we've got mountains to do,” Cavallo says when asked if football still has a problem with discrimination.

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

‘People want to harm me’

Several years passed for Cavallo to work up the courage to say “I'm gay” before coming out on October 27th, 2021.

“My only desire is compete in soccer and receive fair treatment,” he stated in an accompanying video.

Cavallo was 21 and making a name for himself 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 recalls. “It felt like the right time in my life. I wanted to take the next step.”

The heartfelt revelation clip, titled ‘His Personal Story’, gained massive attention on digital platforms.

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

Liverpool were one of many high-profile clubs around the world to show solidarity with Cavallo, with the coach at the time the German manager saying: “I'm really thankful that he did it because it sparks conversation.”

Barcelona defender the athlete also offered support, posting online that “the world of football is far behind and your actions drive progress”, while his former club released a comment backing their “remarkable” and “brave” player.

Some people, however, were less welcoming.

Cavallo quickly became a target of anti-gay remarks by rival supporters.

In January 2022 Melbourne Victory were fined five thousand dollars over anti-gay abuse from fans directed at Cavallo during a game.

“The comments I encountered were painful and derogatory towards my community,” he says.

“I remained calm because responding would encourage detractors.”

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

“That was a scary moment,” he recalls. “I remember thinking ‘this is happening - individuals intend to hurt me’.

“Should this be tolerated? Definitely not. But by coming out, these are the consequences.

“My wish is that the next person who comes out while playing football at a professional standard won't face the journey I have endured.”

The player says the daily death threats and hostile communications have taken a toll on his mental health.

“It's disappointing because I am having to explain why I deserve a place on the soccer pitch for being who I am,” he says.

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

“Many individuals see me as a cheerful, positive person. But there are days 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 disclose his orientation helped prompt 17-year-old attacking player Jake Daniels to announce he was gay as the UK's only openly gay active male professional footballer in May 2022.

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

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

“But I'm not going to sugar-coat it. There are a lot of scary things that would come this person's way. Within soccer culture, identifying as LGBTQ is a very toxic place.”

Twenty-seven years after Justin Fashanu - the UK's initial out soccer professional - took his own life in 1998, the current athlete has discussed the “toxic masculinity” that persists in men's football.

“Simply attend to a match and see the hostile environment and masculinity that the audience creates,” he says.

“There is still a lot of work to ensure there is a safe space in soccer for people like myself and Jake.

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

“My role is to continue advocating for what I think is right, and work towards taking out the toxic masculinity in soccer locker rooms and creating a safe space.”

‘I'm here to create change’

Cavallo says soccer has enabled discussions within team environments about coming out.

However, he is critical of Fifa, after Qatar, where homosexual partnerships are illegal, staged the global tournament in 2022.

The 2034 tournament is scheduled in Saudi Arabia, 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 their territory? It's frightening,” says Cavallo.

“I get messages [from residents of such nations] saying ‘I'm about to be put in prison for my identity - is assistance possible?’.

“It's devastating that individuals are incarcerated for their true selves.

“Certain nations that are significant soccer markets and they don't accept the queer community. Those are the countries that tend to target 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 seek understanding.

“Some will disapprove for who you are. But I have found my family. I have found my community.

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