Josh Cavallo Eyes European Move After Adelaide United Exit
Josh Cavallo is leaving Adelaide United and heading for Europe. The 25-year-old defender, who came out publicly in 2021, is now a free agent after his contract with the A-League club ended this month.
He’s expected to sign with a European side, though neither Cavallo nor the club has confirmed which one.
A Low-Key Exit After a Groundbreaking Moment
Cavallo joined Adelaide in 2020 and quickly became part of the first team. But he decided to come out as gay in 2021, which put him on the world stage. At the time, he was the only out gay player active in a top-tier men’s professional league.
The response was huge. Media attention poured in. Messages of support came from players, clubs, and fans across the globe.
But while his visibility increased, his on-field appearances didn’t.
Injuries, Bench Time, and the End of a Chapter
Injuries played a role. He struggled with Achilles and quad issues through much of the 2023 season. He returned for pre-season earlier this year and looked sharp, scoring four goals in three matches.
Even so, he wasn’t given playing time during the A-League campaign. He was named on the bench ten times but stayed there. His last appearance came in February 2024.
Adelaide United confirmed his departure in a statement that focused more on his off-field influence than on-field contributions.
“Josh’s time at our club will be remembered for far more than appearances or minutes played,” said head of football Marius Zanin. “He helped redefine the role footballers can play in society.”
Cavallo also shared a message of gratitude. “Adelaide will always feel like home,” he said. “I leave with immense pride in what we’ve achieved together— both on and off the field.”
Facing Abuse and Staying Strong
While his visibility skyrocketed, attracting over a million social media followers and providing a platform for advocacy, it also unleashed a torrent of homophobic abuse.
Cavallo has been vocal about this severe negativity. He has shared abusive messages publicly, pointedly telling social media platforms to “do better” to combat the hate. The abuse has included daily death threats. Speaking on FIFPRO’s Footballers Unfiltered podcast, Cavallo described professional football as still a “very toxic place” for openly gay players, adding, “we’re a very, very long way from acceptance in this space.”
Beyond online attacks, he also faced homophobic slurs from some spectators during an A-League match in early 2022. The incident was swiftly condemned by Adelaide United, Melbourne Victory, and the Australian Professional Leagues (APL), with the APL launching an investigation and issuing sanctions.
What Comes Next?
According to Outsports, Cavallo is expected to join a European club, with several teams showing interest. For now, he’s keeping quiet about the details.
His career off the pitch is also taking shape. He recently signed with Wax Talent, a UK-based management agency aimed at representing LGBTQIA+ talent in sport and media. The agency is linked to Gay Times and is based in London.
In the meantime, Cavallo’s staying fit. He’s been posting regular gym updates to Instagram and recently shared a clip from a training session, suggesting he’s preparing for whatever comes next.
Still a Rare Voice in the Game
Cavallo remains one of only a handful of out gay players in professional men’s football. With Czech international Jakub Jankto set to become a free agent after the Serie A season wraps and Jake Daniels still developing in England, the number of out players in top leagues remains small.
In Australia, former Newcastle Jets player Andy Brennan continues to play for South Melbourne, and in the US, Collin Martin remains active at North Carolina FC.
Cavallo has often spoken directly to queer athletes who don’t feel safe being visible. His message is consistent: you don’t have to hide.
“To every gay player out there hiding, trying to blend in, playing small. I see you. I was you,” he wrote on Instagram.
“You don’t need to shrink yourself to fit into society. I’ve taken every side-eye, every doubt, every push down into my stride.
“You deserve to feel present in your skin and powerful on the pitch. So play bold. Play loud. Take up that space.”
Josh Cavallo didn’t leave Adelaide United with a stack of trophies or long minutes on the pitch this past season. But what he did leave is harder to measure and harder to ignore.
He gave the sport a visible role model. He challenged silence. He showed young athletes that being honest about who you are doesn’t mean the end of a career.
At DNA, we’ll be watching closely to see where he signs next. But wherever he lands, Cavallo’s already made one of the biggest moves of his career, and it had nothing to do with football.
