Football’s first openly-gay player reveals he is engaged to electrician fiancé after proposing in romantic setting

Josh Cavallo has announced his engagement to fiancé Leighton Morrell after popping the question at Adelaide United’s Copper Stadium.

Cavallo, 24, made headlines around the world in 2021 after becoming the first professional footballer to come out as gay, starting a wave of support from the game.

And on Wednesday, the Australian took to social media to announce his engagement to partner Morrell, an electrician, and thanked United for helping him arrange the romantic occasion.

“Starting this year with my fiance,” he posted alongside a photo of himself on one knee.

‘Thank you @adelaideunited for helping to create this surprise.

‘You have provided a safe space in football, one that I never in my wildest dreams thought could ever be possible. To share this special moment on the pitch where it all started’.

He also shared photos of Morrell’s happy reaction and a black-and-white photo of the pair holding hands, with Morrell wearing his brand new ring.

Cavallo has been a leading voice for gay rights in football and recently opened up about the vile abuse he has received on social media as a result.

‘I share my life through this social media platform to help individuals grow around the world. To feel empowered in their own skin. To be comfortable with the person they want to be,’ he wrote on Instagram alongside screenshots of the messages.

‘I am heart-on-heart so proud of how much my football club and the LGBTQIA+ community has grown in the world of football, but we must remember that there is still a huge amount of work to be done.

‘It’s 2023 and this behavior can be more harmful than you think.

‘Two years after my departure and I go through my everyday life and am reminded of how people want me dead.’