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

Since revealing he was gay in 2021, player Josh Cavallo has received daily death threats and abusive messages on social media.

“When I first saw these messages, I was devastated,” the player states. “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.”

Player Cavallo was at Adelaide United back in 2020 when he emerged as the sole publicly out top-flight male professional footballer in the world.

Recently he left Australia to join non-league Peterborough Sports, who compete before audiences of about 400 in the sixth division, one level below of the English soccer system.

The 25-year-old balances his sports career for the Cambridgeshire part-timers by speaking up on inclusion matters and leveraging his platform - he has more than one million followers on Instagram - to champion equality and inclusion.

“Absolutely, there's enormous work ahead,” Cavallo comments when questioned about ongoing issues with homophobia.

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

‘Individuals wish to hurt me’

Several years passed for the athlete to work up the courage to say “I am homosexual” before coming out on 27 October 2021.

“My only desire is compete in soccer and receive fair treatment,” he said in an related clip.

The player was 21 and building his reputation at his Australian club in the premier division when, backed by his colleagues, he announced his orientation publicly.

“I didn't know what was ahead. I had no expectations,” he recalls. “It felt like the right time in my life. I needed to move forward.”

The heartfelt revelation clip, entitled ‘His Personal Story’, went viral on social media.

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

Liverpool were one of many high-profile clubs around the world to show solidarity with the player, with then manager the German manager saying: “I appreciate that he did it because now we talk again.”

Spanish player Gerard Pique also expressed backing, posting online that “the world of football is far behind and your actions drive progress”, while Adelaide United issued a statement backing their “extraordinary” and “courageous” player.

Others, however, were not so accepting.

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

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

“The comments I encountered were hurtful and derogatory towards LGBTQ people,” he says.

“I didn't react 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 someone who recognised him from the media attention.

“It was terrifying,” he recalls. “The thought crossed my mind ‘this is happening - people want to harm me’.

“Is it acceptable? Absolutely not. But by coming out, this is what it brings.

“I hope that future individuals who reveals their orientation while competing in soccer at a high level 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 psychological well-being.

“It's quite sad because I must justify why I deserve a place on the football field for being who I am,” he states.

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

“Many individuals see me as a smiling, positive person. But there are days when I lean on my fiance, Leighton, and he gets to see much of what occurs behind the scenes.”

‘Top-tier athlete revealing orientation would create waves’

Cavallo's decision 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 playing soccer professional in spring 2022.

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

“It would move mountains,” comments the footballer on the effect a elite athlete revealing their orientation would have.

“But I'm not going to sugar-coat it. Numerous frightening aspects that would come this person's way. In the world of football, identifying as LGBTQ is a very toxic place.”

Over two decades after a pioneering player - the UK's initial out soccer professional - died by suicide in 1998, the current athlete has discussed the “harmful male culture” that persists in professional soccer.

“You just need to go to a game and see the hostile environment and male-dominated culture that the crowd brings,” he explains.

“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 (more players coming out) as frequently as desired.

“My role is to continue advocating for principles I believe in, and strive for taking out the harmful male norms in soccer locker rooms and creating a safe space.”

‘I'm here to create change’

Cavallo says football has allowed him to have conversations inside dressing rooms about revealing one's orientation.

However, he is critical of soccer's global governing body, after the Middle Eastern nation, where same-sex relationships are illegal, hosted the men's World Cup in 2022.

The 2034 tournament is scheduled in another Gulf state, where homosexuality is similarly prohibited.

“Am I impressed that the global championship 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 the athlete.

“I receive communications [from residents of such nations] saying ‘I'm about to be put in prison for being who I am - can you help me?’.

“It's devastating 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. These places that often focus on me.”

Nevertheless, the footballer says he won't cease advocating.

“Soccer has allowed me to start conversations in the locker room. It lets me communicate and educate people who seek understanding.

“Some will disapprove for who you are. But I've discovered support. I have found my community.

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