Gay Aussie Footballer Josh Cavallo Proposes in Stadium

Out and proud Australian professional soccer player Josh Cavallo has proposed to his partner on his team’s home pitch.

On Wednesday, Cavallo shared a picture of the moment he kneeled down, holding out a ring in an open box to his partner, Leighton Morrell, who appeared to have been taken by surprise.

Morrell clearly said yes, with other images depicting the happy couple laughing and holding hands, and Cavallo commenting: “Starting this year with my fiancée.”

He thanked his club, Adelaide United, both for helping to arrange the proposal in an empty Coopers Stadium, its home ground, and for its ongoing support.

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

Cavallo, 24, came out in October 2021 in a social media post: “I am proud to publicly announce that I am gay. It’s been a journey to get to this point in my life, but I couldn’t be happier with my decision to come out. I have been fighting my sexuality for over 6 years now, and I’m glad I can put that to rest.”

He added that, “It is astonishing to know that there are currently no gay professional footballers who are out and actively playing, not only in Australia, but around the world. I hope that in sharing who I am, I can show others who identify as LGBTQ+ that they are welcome in the football community.”

Unfortunately, he soon after became the victim of shameful homophobic abuse from game-goers and on social media.

“This shouldn’t be acceptable and we need to do more to hold these people accountable. Hate never will win. I will never apologise for living my truth and most recently who I am outside of football,” Cavallo said at the time.

Starting this year with my fiancée 💍❤️

Thank you @adelaideunited for helping set up this surprise.

You have provided a safe space in football, one that I never in my dreams thought could ever be possible. To share this special moment on the pitch, where it all started ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/9ThwrN2Yol

— Josh Cavallo (@JoshuaCavallo) March 13, 2024