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“You shouldn't exist” ... “Why are you here?” ... “Stop breathing.”

After announcing his homosexuality in 2021, footballer the athlete has faced constant threats and hateful comments on social media.

“When I first saw these messages, I was devastated,” Cavallo explains. “Nobody should have to endure such words.

“I'm trying to get better as a player and reach my full potential on the pitch, and then get put down due to my identity. It's appalling.”

Player the sportsman was playing for Adelaide United back in 2020 when he became the only openly gay elite soccer player in the world.

This summer he departed from Australia to join lower-tier club Peterborough Sports, who compete before audiences of about 400 in National League North, one level below of English football.

The 25-year-old balances his sports career for the semi-professional team by advocating for LGBTQ+ issues and leveraging his platform - he has more than one million followers on Instagram - to promote fairness and acceptance.

“Definitely, there's enormous work ahead,” Cavallo says when questioned about ongoing issues with homophobia.

“I don't go more than a week without encountering problems.”

‘Individuals wish to hurt me’

It took years for the athlete to build up the bravery to say “I'm gay” before revealing his sexuality on 27 October 2021.

“All I want to do is play football and receive fair treatment,” he said in an related clip.

The player was twenty-one and building his reputation at Adelaide United in the premier division when, backed by his colleagues, he publicly came out.

“The future was uncertain. I had no expectations,” he recalls. “It felt like the right time in my life. I wanted to take the next step.”

The heartfelt revelation clip, titled ‘His Personal Story’, went viral on digital platforms.

“My mobile phone exploded with encouraging words. It was overwhelming.”

Liverpool were one of many high-profile clubs around the world to express support for Cavallo, with the coach at the time the German manager saying: “I'm really thankful that he took this step because it sparks conversation.”

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique also expressed backing, posting online that “the world of football is lagging behind and your actions drive progress”, while Adelaide United issued a statement backing their “extraordinary” and “brave” player.

Others, however, were not so accepting.

Cavallo soon turned into a target of anti-gay remarks by opposition fans.

During early 2022 a competing team were penalized five thousand dollars over anti-gay abuse from spectators directed at the player during a match.

“The things I'd hear were painful and derogatory towards LGBTQ people,” he says.

“I didn't react because responding would encourage detractors.”

A scary event occurred at a gas station in Australia, where Cavallo was assaulted by an individual who identified him from the coverage.

“It was terrifying,” he remembers. “I remember thinking ‘this is real - individuals intend to hurt me’.

“Should this be tolerated? Definitely not. But through my disclosure, these are the consequences.

“My wish is that the next person who reveals their orientation while playing football at a professional standard doesn't have to experience the journey I have endured.”

Cavallo says the constant menacing messages and abusive messages have affected his psychological well-being.

“It's disappointing because I must justify why I deserve a place on the soccer pitch for being who I am,” he says.

“Heterosexual players aren't questioned and ask ‘what gives you the right in football?’.

“Many individuals see me as a smiling, positive person. But there are days when I rely on my partner, his name, and he gets to see much of what occurs privately.”

‘Top-tier athlete revealing orientation would create waves’

The player's choice to reveal his sexuality helped inspire teenage Blackpool forward another athlete to announce he was gay as the UK's only openly gay playing soccer professional in May 2022.

Nevertheless, there are no openly gay or bisexual players in the top English division.

“It would create massive change,” says the footballer on the effect a elite athlete coming out would have.

“But I'm not going to sugar-coat it. Numerous frightening aspects that would await this individual. Within soccer culture, being an openly gay player is a highly hostile environment.”

Twenty-seven years after Justin Fashanu - the UK's initial out soccer professional - took his own life in 1998, the current athlete has discussed the “harmful male culture” that still exists in professional soccer.

“You just need to go to a game and observe the unfriendly atmosphere and masculinity that the audience creates,” he explains.

“There is still a lot of work to ensure there is a safe space in soccer for people like myself and Jake.

“We haven't seen it (more players coming out) as frequently as desired.

“My role is to continue advocating for principles I believe in, and work towards taking out the toxic masculinity in soccer locker rooms and creating a safe space.”

‘I'm here to create change’

The player says football has allowed him to have conversations within team environments about coming out.

However, he is critical of Fifa, after Qatar, where homosexual partnerships are against the law, hosted the men's World Cup in 2022.

The 2034 tournament is scheduled in Saudi Arabia, where same-sex attraction is similarly prohibited.

“Do I approve that the World Cup is in countries that ban gay unions, where people like me will be put in prison for merely living on that land? It's scary,” states the athlete.

“I get messages [from residents of such nations] saying ‘I'm about to be put in prison for my identity - is assistance possible?’.

“It breaks my heart that people are getting locked up for being who they are.

“There are countries that are significant soccer markets and they don't accept LGBTQ+ people. These places that tend to target me.”

Nevertheless, the footballer says he will not stop speaking up.

“Soccer has allowed me to start conversations in the locker room. It has allowed me to speak and educate people who seek understanding.

“Some will disapprove for who you are. But I have found my family. I've connected with similar people.

“My purpose is to create change. That's my objective.”