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

After announcing his homosexuality in 2021, player Josh Cavallo has received daily death threats and abusive messages on online platforms.

“Upon reading those comments, I was devastated,” Cavallo explains. “No-one wants to read things like that.

“I'm trying to get better as a player and be the best I can be during matches, and then face criticism because of who I am. It's appalling.”

Midfielder the sportsman 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 non-league Peterborough Sports, who play in front of crowds of about 400 in National League North, one level below of English football.

The 25-year-old combines playing for the semi-professional team by advocating for LGBTQ+ issues and using his profile - boasting over a million followers on Instagram - to promote fairness and inclusion.

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

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

‘Individuals wish to hurt me’

Several years passed for Cavallo to work up the courage to say “I'm gay” 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 21 and making a name for himself at his Australian club in the premier division when, with the support of his team-mates, he announced his orientation publicly.

“I didn't know what was ahead. I didn't know what to expect,” he recalls. “The moment seemed appropriate in my life. I wanted to take the next step.”

The heartfelt revelation clip, titled ‘Josh's Truth’, went viral on digital platforms.

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

Liverpool were among numerous famous teams around the world to express support for Cavallo, with the coach at the time the German manager saying: “I'm really thankful that he took this step because it sparks conversation.”

Spanish player Gerard Pique 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.

The footballer soon turned into a target of homophobic abuse by rival supporters.

During early 2022 a competing team were fined five thousand dollars over discriminatory chants from fans aimed toward the player during a match.

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

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

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

“It was terrifying,” he remembers. “The thought crossed my mind ‘this is happening - individuals intend to hurt me’.

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

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

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

“It's disappointing because I am having to explain why I belong on the football field for being who I am,” he says.

“We don't sit straight people down and ask ‘why should you exist in football?’.

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

‘Premier League player coming out would move mountains’

Cavallo's decision to disclose his orientation helped inspire teenage attacking player another athlete to announce he was gay as the UK's only openly gay playing soccer professional in spring 2022.

However, there are no openly gay or bisexual players in the Premier League.

“It would move mountains,” says the footballer on the impact a elite athlete revealing their orientation would make.

“But I must be honest. Numerous frightening aspects that would come this person's way. Within soccer culture, identifying as LGBTQ is a very toxic place.”

Twenty-seven years after a pioneering player - the UK's initial out soccer professional - died by suicide in 1998, Cavallo has spoken about the “harmful male culture” that persists in professional soccer.

“Simply attend to a game and see the unfriendly atmosphere and masculinity that the crowd brings,” he says.

“There is still a lot of work to make sure there is a safe space in football for individuals like me and Jake.

“We haven't seen it (additional athletes revealing their orientation) as much as we would like.

“My role is to continue advocating for principles I believe in, and work towards eliminating the toxic masculinity in football changing rooms and establishing secure environments.”

‘I'm here to create change’

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

Yet, he is disapproving toward Fifa, after the Middle Eastern nation, where homosexual partnerships are illegal, hosted the men's World Cup in 2022.

Future World Cup is scheduled in Saudi Arabia, where same-sex attraction is also illegal.

“Do I approve that the global championship is in nations that ban gay unions, where individuals like myself will be put in prison for just existing on that land? It's scary,” states Cavallo.

“I get messages [from residents of such nations] saying ‘I face imprisonment for my identity - is assistance possible?’.

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

“There are countries that are huge in terms of football and they don't accept LGBTQ+ people. These places that often focus on me.”

Despite this, Cavallo says he will not stop speaking up.

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

“Some will disapprove for your identity. But I have found my family. I've connected with similar people.

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