Soccer is gay

The man can defend, tackle, and cha-cha his way into history books as the first openly gay person to win the show. At the time, he was the only openly gay soccer player in any of the top five major American sports leagues, putting him in the spotlight whether he liked it or not.

Football, or soccer, as we Americans call it, has long been viewed as a world of bravado and masculinity, where strength and aggression dominate both the field and locker rooms.

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In fact, he says he received more insults about his height than his sexuality—a refreshing but rare experience in football. Most of the LGBT+ male players have come out after retirement. Historically, this has made it difficult for players to come out and be open about their sexuality.

Ferretti, who once held a reputation for being one of the longest-consecutively-playing goalkeepers in Brazil, has proven that his biggest save might just be the one off the pitch—his integrity. It took years for him to feel comfortable sharing his truth with the world, but his decision to do so has been a step forward for gay representation in South American sports, especially in a country with conservative views on homosexuality.

Unlike many players who face constant harassment for their sexuality, he encountered minimal homophobic abuse on the field. Born in the UK to Nigerian-Guyanese parents, Justin was as much a soccer pioneer as he was a tragic figure. He played professionally from to and came out after hanging up his boots.

Twenty-seven years after Justin Fashanu - Britain's first openly gay male footballer - took his own life inCavallo has spoken about the "toxic masculinity" that still exists in men's football. Since coming out, he has continued playing professionally, marking himself as not just a pioneer but an active symbol of inclusivity in the game.

But his coming out sparked a whirlwind of media frenzy and public scorn. The pressures, coupled with false accusations of sexual assault inled to his tragic suicide. Here are 18 players who made headlines not just for their skills but for coming out as gay or bisexual.

The Swedish defender took the football world by surprise when he came out in Talk about breaking stereotypes! A Brazilian goalkeeper who played from tocame out as gay inmaking waves as one of the few openly gay former Brazilian players. Homophobia has been widespread in men's association football, also known as soccer, throughout the world.

There are a number of openly LGBTQ players in women's association football, with relatively few in the men's game. Adelaide United player Josh Cavallo shook up the world of soccer when he came out in October Australia may be known for its laid-back culture, but homophobia in sports is no joke, and Cavallo experienced his share of abuse from game-goers and soccer is gay media trolls.

For some, it comes after their playing days are over, while others take the bold step of coming out while still active in professional soccer. He now advocates for openness, urging athletes to come out while still in their prime.

Liam Davis episcopal gay not be a household name, but his courage makes him a soccer standout.

From World Cup stars to lower-league heroes, meet the gay and bi male footballers who have blazed trails in soccer around the world. Either way, the bravery of these players speaks volumes. Though just starting his career, Daniels has already made history.

Brennan broke new ground in by becoming the first openly gay Australian male footballer. Reflecting on his playing days, Testo admitted that hiding his true self took a toll on his mental health. His outspoken stance on the issue, both on and off the field, has made him stand out.