13 March 2024 , 15:04
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The world's first openly gay top-flight footballer, Josh Cavallo, has announced he has become engaged.
Cavallo revealed the news in an emotional post on social media, in which he enlisted the help of his club Adelaide United to surprise his now finace Leighton Morrell. Adelaide allowed Cavallo to 'pop the question' to Morrell on their Coopers' Stadium pitch.
The 24-year-old has been with Adelaide since 2021 and came out as gay later that year with an emotional video. In doing so, Cavallo became the first-ever top-flight footballer to come out and has since been a vocal advocate for LGBT+ rights.
The midfielder has been dating Morrell for some time, with the couple attending New York Pride together last year. And now Cavallo has given his partner the best possible surprise, with the help of the Australian A League side.
He posted a series of photos of their engagement, with Cavallo going down on one knee, with an emotional Morrell putting his hands over his face. Cavallo is then pictured standing and laughing as Morrell continues to cry before a final image of the couple holding hands with their new engagement rings.
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Alongside the pictures, Cavallo wrote: "Starting this year with my fiancé. Mr & Mr Coming soon. Thank you Adelaide United for helping set up this surprise.
"You’re endless support has meant so much to me. You have provided a safe space in football, one that I never in my dreams thought could ever be possible, and encouraged me to live everyday of my life authentically. It felt right to share this special moment on the pitch, where it all started."
Cavallo came out as gay in October 2021, the first-ever top-flight star to do soSame-sex marriage was legalised in Australia in December 2017, long before Cavallo came out. Back in October, Cavallo revealed that the Pride jersey from 2023 would be featured in the Australian Sport Museum, to his delight.
"On October 27th 2021, I stood in front of the camera and told the world who I am. Unsure of my future in sport and if the world of football would have a place for me and my sexuality," he wrote at the time.
"Now to be presented with my jersey in the Australian Sport Museum leaves me incredibly emotional. I want to continue using my platform to help individuals feel safe to step on that football field regardless of their identity. Together we are evolving the world game of football, making it a welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community."
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