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“You don't belong on this earth” ... “Why are you here?” ... “Stop breathing.”

Since revealing his homosexuality in 2021, footballer the athlete has faced constant threats and abusive messages on social media.

“When I first saw these messages, it broke my heart,” Cavallo states. “Nobody should have to endure such words.

“I'm trying to get better as a player and be the best I can be on the pitch, and then face criticism due to my identity. It's disgusting.”

Midfielder Cavallo was at Adelaide United back in 2020 when he emerged as the sole publicly out elite soccer player in the world.

This summer he departed from Australia to join non-league Peterborough Sports, who compete before audiences of about 400 in the sixth division, one level below of English football.

The 25-year-old balances his sports career for the semi-professional team by advocating for inclusion matters and using his profile - boasting over a million followers on social media - to promote fairness and acceptance.

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

“Rarely a week passes without hearing about an issue.”

‘Individuals wish to hurt me’

Several years passed for Cavallo to build up the bravery to say “I'm gay” before revealing his sexuality on 27 October 2021.

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

The player was twenty-one and building his reputation at Adelaide United in Australia's top flight when, backed by his colleagues, he publicly came out.

“I didn't know what was ahead. I had no expectations,” he recalls. “The moment seemed appropriate in my life. I needed to move forward.”

The heartfelt revelation clip, titled ‘His Personal Story’, gained massive attention on digital platforms.

“My mobile phone exploded with messages of support. It was overwhelming.”

Liverpool were one of many high-profile clubs around the world to show solidarity with the player, with the coach at the time Jurgen Klopp saying: “I appreciate that he took this step because now we talk again.”

Spanish player Gerard Pique also expressed backing, posting online that “the world of football is far behind and you are helping us move forward”, while his former club issued a statement supporting their “extraordinary” and “brave” player.

Others, however, were not so accepting.

The footballer soon turned into a subject to anti-gay remarks by opposition fans.

During early 2022 a competing team were fined five thousand dollars over discriminatory chants from fans aimed toward Cavallo during a match.

“The comments I encountered were hurtful and derogatory towards LGBTQ people,” he says.

“I didn't react because I knew that would only feed the haters.”

There was a frightening incident at a petrol station in Australia, where the athlete was physically attacked by an individual who identified him from the media attention.

“That was a scary moment,” he recalls. “I remember thinking ‘this is happening - people want to harm me’.

“Should this be tolerated? Absolutely not. But by coming out, this is what it brings.

“I hope that the next person who reveals their orientation while competing in soccer at a high level doesn't have to experience the path I have experienced.”

Cavallo says the daily death threats and abusive messages have taken a toll on his mental health.

“It's quite sad because I am having to explain why I deserve a place on the football field for my identity,” he states.

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

“Many individuals see me as a smiling, optimistic person. But there are days when I lean on my fiance, Leighton, and he witnesses a lot that happens privately.”

‘Premier League player coming out would move mountains’

Cavallo's decision to disclose his orientation helped inspire 17-year-old attacking player Jake Daniels to come out as the UK's only openly gay playing soccer professional in May 2022.

Nevertheless, there are no openly gay or bisexual players in the Premier League.

“It would move mountains,” comments Cavallo on the effect a Premier League player coming out would have.

“But I'm not going to sugar-coat it. Numerous frightening aspects that would come this person's way. Within soccer culture, identifying as LGBTQ is a very toxic place.”

Twenty-seven years after a pioneering player - Britain's first openly gay male footballer - 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 see the unfriendly atmosphere and masculinity that the audience creates,” he says.

“Much remains to be done to make sure there is a secure environment in soccer for people like myself and Jake.

“We haven't seen it (additional athletes revealing their orientation) as frequently as desired.

“I can only keep pushing for principles I believe in, and strive for eliminating the toxic masculinity in soccer locker rooms and establishing secure environments.”

‘My mission is to drive progress’

Cavallo says football has enabled discussions inside dressing rooms about revealing one's orientation.

Yet, he is disapproving toward soccer's global governing body, after Qatar, where homosexual partnerships are illegal, hosted the men's World Cup in 2022.

Future World Cup will be held in Saudi Arabia, where same-sex attraction is similarly prohibited.

“Am I impressed that the World Cup is in countries that ban gay unions, where people like me will be put in prison for just existing on their territory? It's scary,” states the athlete.

“I receive communications [from residents of such nations] saying ‘I face imprisonment for being who I am - can you help me?’.

“It's devastating that people are getting locked up for being who they are.

“There are countries that are significant soccer markets and they don't accept the queer community. Those are the countries that tend to target me.”

Nevertheless, the footballer says he won't cease advocating.

“Football has enabled dialogue in the changing room. It has allowed me to speak and educate people who want to learn more.

“Not everyone is going to like you for your identity. But I have found my family. I have found my community.

“My purpose is to create change. That's what I'm here for.”