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

Since revealing he was gay in 2021, footballer the athlete has received daily death threats and hateful comments on social media.

“When I first saw these messages, it broke my heart,” the player states. “No-one wants to read things like that.

“I'm working to improve my skills and reach my full potential during matches, and then face criticism because of who I am. It's disgusting.”

Midfielder the sportsman was playing for Adelaide United four years ago when he became the only openly gay top-flight male professional footballer in the world.

Recently he left Australia to join lower-tier club Peterborough Sports, who compete before audiences of about 400 in National League North, the sixth tier of the English soccer system.

The 25-year-old balances his sports career for the Cambridgeshire part-timers by advocating for LGBTQ+ issues and using his profile - he has more than one million followers on social media - to champion equality and acceptance.

“Absolutely, there's enormous work ahead,” the footballer says when asked if football still has a problem with homophobia.

“I don't go more than a week without hearing about an issue.”

‘People want to harm me’

It took years for the athlete to build up the bravery to say “I am homosexual” 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 accompanying video.

Cavallo was 21 and building his reputation at his Australian club in the premier division when, backed by his colleagues, he announced his orientation publicly.

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

The heartfelt revelation clip, entitled ‘His Personal Story’, went viral on social media.

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

Liverpool were one of many high-profile clubs around the world to express support for the player, with the coach at the time Jurgen Klopp saying: “I'm really thankful that he did it because it sparks conversation.”

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique also expressed backing, writing on social media that “the world of football is lagging behind and you are helping us move forward”, while Adelaide United released a comment supporting their “remarkable” and “brave” player.

Some people, however, were not so accepting.

The footballer soon turned into a target of homophobic abuse by rival supporters.

During early 2022 Melbourne Victory were penalized A$5,000 over anti-gay abuse from spectators directed at the player during a game.

“The comments I encountered were hurtful and derogatory towards my community,” he explains.

“I remained calm because responding would encourage detractors.”

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

“That was a scary moment,” he remembers. “I remember thinking ‘this is real - individuals intend to hurt me’.

“Is it acceptable? Definitely not. But by coming out, this is what it brings.

“I hope that future individuals who reveals their orientation while competing in soccer at a professional standard won't face the journey I have experienced.”

Cavallo says the constant menacing messages and hostile communications have taken a toll on his mental health.

“It's disappointing because I must justify why I belong on the soccer pitch for my identity,” he says.

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

“A lot of people see me as a cheerful, positive person. But there are days when I rely on my partner, his name, and he witnesses much of what occurs privately.”

‘Top-tier athlete revealing orientation would create waves’

Cavallo's decision to disclose his orientation 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,” comments Cavallo on the impact a Premier League player coming out would make.

“But I must be honest. Numerous frightening aspects that would come this person's way. Within soccer culture, identifying as LGBTQ is a highly hostile environment.”

Twenty-seven years after a pioneering player - the UK's initial out soccer professional - took his own life in 1998, the current athlete has spoken about the “harmful male culture” that still exists in men's football.

“You just need to go to a match and see the hostile environment and male-dominated culture that the crowd brings,” he says.

“Much remains to be done to ensure there is a safe space in soccer for individuals like me and Jake.

“Progress has been limited (more players coming out) as much as we would like.

“I can only keep pushing for what I think is right, and work towards taking out the harmful male norms in soccer locker rooms and establishing secure environments.”

‘My mission is to drive progress’

Cavallo says football has enabled discussions within team environments about coming out.

However, he is disapproving toward soccer's global governing body, after the Middle Eastern nation, where homosexual partnerships are against the law, hosted the men's World Cup in 2022.

The 2034 tournament will be held in another Gulf state, where homosexuality is also illegal.

“Do I approve that the World Cup is in countries that ban gay unions, where individuals like myself will be imprisoned for just existing on that land? It's frightening,” says Cavallo.

“I get messages [from people living in these countries] saying ‘I face imprisonment for being who I am - can you help me?’.

“It's devastating that individuals are incarcerated for being who they are.

“Certain nations that are huge in terms of football and they reject the queer community. Those are the countries that often focus on me.”

Despite this, the footballer says he will not stop speaking up.

“Football has allowed me to start conversations in the locker room. It lets me communicate and inform individuals who want to learn more.

“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.”