Adelaide United’s Josh Cavallo has publicly announced he is gay, becoming the first footballer to open up about their sexuality while playing in the A-League

The midfielder, who has played 19 games for the Reds since making the move to Adelaide from Western United, opened up about his sexuality in a video posted by the club.

The A-League club stated that it stood alongside Cavallo for being true to himself, supporting the star stating they will continue to love and support him as a member of its diverse family.

“I am proud to publicly announce that I am gay,”

Cavallo said in a video released by the club.

“Adelaide United has made me realise football is more than just a game – it is a family.”

The 21 year-old is the first openly gay male athlete to play in the A-League competition. He said he wanted to create a safe space for others to come forward.

Other active and openly gay males playing professional football elsewhere in the world include Collin Martin, who plays for San Diego Loyal in the second tier of football in the USA, as well as Phuti Lekoloane, who plays in South Africa’s third tier.