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

Since revealing his homosexuality in 2021, player Josh Cavallo has faced constant threats and hateful comments on online platforms.

“When I first saw these messages, I was devastated,” the player states. “Nobody should have to endure such words.

“I'm working to improve my skills and be the best I can be on the pitch, and then get put down due to my identity. It's appalling.”

Midfielder Cavallo was at Adelaide United four years ago when he became the only openly gay elite soccer player in the world.

This summer he left Australia to sign with lower-tier club Peterborough Sports, who compete before audiences of about 400 in the sixth division, one level below of the English soccer system.

This young athlete balances his sports career for the Cambridgeshire part-timers by advocating for LGBTQ+ issues and using his profile - boasting over a million followers on social media - to promote fairness and acceptance.

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

“Rarely a week passes without encountering problems.”

‘People want to harm me’

Several years passed for Cavallo to work up the courage to say “I'm gay” before revealing his sexuality on 27 October 2021.

“All I want to do is compete in soccer and receive fair treatment,” he said in an related clip.

Cavallo was twenty-one and building his reputation at his Australian club in the premier division when, backed by his colleagues, he announced his orientation publicly.

“The future was uncertain. I had no expectations,” he says. “The moment seemed appropriate in my life. I wanted to take the next step.”

The heartfelt revelation clip, entitled ‘His Personal Story’, gained massive attention on social media.

“My phone was flooded with messages of support. The response was incredible.”

A prominent club were one of many high-profile clubs around the world to express support for Cavallo, with the coach at the time the German manager saying: “I appreciate that he did it because it sparks conversation.”

Spanish player the athlete also expressed backing, posting online that “the world of football is far behind and you are helping us move forward”, while his former club released a comment backing their “extraordinary” and “brave” 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 fined five thousand dollars over anti-gay abuse from fans directed at the player during a match.

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

“I remained calm because responding would encourage detractors.”

There was a frightening incident at a petrol station in Australia, where Cavallo was physically attacked by someone who recognised him from the coverage.

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

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

“I hope that future individuals who reveals their orientation while playing football at a high level won't face the journey I have experienced.”

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

“It's quite sad because I must justify why I deserve a place on the soccer pitch for my identity,” he says.

“We don't sit straight people down and ask ‘what gives you the right in football?’.

“Many individuals see me as a cheerful, positive person. But there are days when I lean on my fiance, his name, and he gets to see a lot that happens privately.”

‘Premier League player coming out would move mountains’

The player's choice to reveal his sexuality helped prompt 17-year-old Blackpool forward another athlete to announce he was gay as the UK's only openly gay active male professional footballer in May 2022.

However, there are zero publicly LGBTQ athletes in the top English division.

“It would create massive change,” comments the footballer on the effect a elite athlete coming out would have.

“But I must be honest. There are a lot of scary things that would come this person's way. In the world of football, identifying as LGBTQ is a very toxic place.”

Over two decades after Justin Fashanu - Britain's first openly gay male footballer - died by suicide in 1998, Cavallo has spoken about the “toxic masculinity” that still exists in men's football.

“Simply attend to a game and observe the unfriendly atmosphere and male-dominated culture that the audience creates,” he explains.

“There is still a lot of work to ensure there is a secure environment in soccer for individuals like me and his colleague.

“We haven't seen it (more players coming out) as much as we would like.

“I can only keep pushing for principles I believe in, and strive for taking out the toxic masculinity in football changing rooms and establishing secure environments.”

‘I'm here to create change’

The player says football has enabled discussions within team environments about revealing one's orientation.

However, he is disapproving toward Fifa, after the Middle Eastern nation, where same-sex relationships are against the law, staged the global tournament in 2022.

Future World Cup is scheduled in Saudi Arabia, where same-sex attraction is similarly prohibited.

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

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

“It's devastating that people are getting locked up for their true selves.

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

Nevertheless, the footballer says he will not stop speaking up.

“Football has allowed me to start conversations in the changing 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.”