Josh Cavallo, the openly gay professional soccer player who made international headlines in 2021, is making a bold new move—literally and figuratively.
After four years with Adelaide United in Australia, the 25-year-old athlete is relocating to the United Kingdom, in search of new footballing opportunities and life experiences.
He announced the decision via Instagram, stating, “It’s not goodbye forever but now, it’s time to leave the nest with my fiancé by my side.”
That fiancé is none other than the dashing Leighton Morrell, with whom Cavallo got engaged on the Adelaide United pitch in March 2023.
The couple’s engagement made headlines not only for its romance but also for symbolizing visibility and change in a sport traditionally lacking LGBTQ+ representation.
“Football and life have taken me further than I ever imagined,” Cavallo wrote, “and new opportunities have led to a new life waiting for us across the world.”
Cavallo, who came out publicly in 2021, remains one of the very few openly gay male players in professional soccer, making his journey especially impactful.
He’s amassed over 1.1 million followers on Instagram, where he shares both inspirational messages and affectionate glimpses into life with Leighton.
In his farewell message to Adelaide United fans, Cavallo expressed deep gratitude: “Whether you’ve followed my journey from the beginning or found strength in it along the way, your presence has meant more than words can ever say.”
He paid special tribute to the LGBTQ+ community, crediting them for helping him feel less alone and for giving him the strength to persist.
His former club also acknowledged his legacy, with the team’s head of football stating, “He helped redefine the role footballers can play in society.”
Now signed with Wax Talent, an LGBTQ+ talent agency, Cavallo continues to use his voice to fight homophobia in all forms—whether institutional, verbal, or personal.
To mark Pride Month, he released a video calling attention to the 157 countries where LGBTQ+ people still face legal discrimination.
“As far as we’ve come,” he said, “we’re still fighting every day for our existence.”
Off the field, Cavallo is also pursuing his dream of hospitality, developing a luxury inclusive resort in Bali.
Described as a “community building block,” the resort aims to provide a safe, loving space for all guests, especially queer travelers.
“In a world that often asks us to change, this is a place I’m creating to remind you that who you are is more than enough,” he says.
With a promising career shift, a loving relationship, and a growing public platform, Cavallo’s story continues to inspire both on and off the pitch.
We can’t wait to see what he accomplishes next across the pond.
