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“You shouldn't exist” ... “Why are you here?” ... “Don't take another breath.”

After announcing his homosexuality in 2021, footballer the athlete has received daily death threats and hateful comments on online platforms.

“When I first saw these messages, it broke my heart,” the player states. “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 because of who I am. It's disgusting.”

Midfielder Cavallo 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 sign with lower-tier club Peterborough Sports, who compete before audiences of about 400 in National League North, one level below of the English soccer system.

The 25-year-old balances his sports career for the semi-professional team by advocating for inclusion matters and leveraging his platform - boasting over a million followers on Instagram - to champion equality and acceptance.

“Definitely, we've got mountains to do,” Cavallo says when questioned about ongoing issues with homophobia.

“Rarely a week passes without encountering problems.”

‘Individuals wish to hurt me’

It took years for Cavallo to work up the courage to say “I'm gay” before revealing his sexuality on 27 October 2021.

“My only desire is play football and receive fair treatment,” he stated in an accompanying video.

The player was 21 and making a name for himself at his Australian club in the premier division when, backed by his colleagues, he publicly came out.

“I didn't know what was ahead. I had no expectations,” he says. “The moment seemed appropriate 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. The response was incredible.”

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 appreciate that he did it because now we talk again.”

Spanish player the athlete also expressed backing, posting online that “soccer culture is lagging behind and you are helping us move forward”, while Adelaide United released a comment supporting their “remarkable” and “brave” player.

Others, however, were not so accepting.

The footballer quickly became a subject to anti-gay remarks by rival supporters.

In January 2022 Melbourne Victory were fined A$5,000 over discriminatory chants from fans directed at the player during a game.

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

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

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

“It was terrifying,” he recalls. “I remember thinking ‘this is real - people want to harm me’.

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

“I hope that the next person who comes out while competing in soccer at a professional standard won't face the path I have experienced.”

Cavallo says the daily death threats and hostile communications have affected his mental health.

“It's disappointing because I must justify why I deserve a place on the football field 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 sometimes when I lean on my fiance, his name, and he gets to see much of what occurs privately.”

‘Premier League player coming out would move mountains’

The player's choice to disclose his orientation helped inspire teenage Blackpool forward another athlete to come out as the UK's only openly gay playing soccer professional in May 2022.

However, there are zero publicly LGBTQ athletes in the Premier League.

“It would create massive change,” says Cavallo on the effect a Premier League player revealing their orientation would make.

“But I must be honest. Numerous frightening aspects that would await this individual. In the world of football, identifying as LGBTQ is a very toxic place.”

Over two decades after a pioneering player - Britain's first openly gay male footballer - died by suicide in 1998, Cavallo has discussed the “harmful male culture” that still exists in professional soccer.

“You just need to go to a match and see the unfriendly atmosphere and masculinity that the audience creates,” he says.

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

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

“I can only keep pushing for principles I believe in, and strive for eliminating the toxic masculinity in football changing rooms and creating a safe space.”

‘My mission is to drive progress’

The player says football has allowed him to have conversations within team environments about revealing one's orientation.

However, he is disapproving toward soccer's global governing body, 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 homosexuality is also illegal.

“Do I approve that the World Cup is in countries that criminalise same-sex marriages, where individuals like myself will be imprisoned for just existing on their territory? It's scary,” states the athlete.

“I receive communications [from people living in these countries] saying ‘I'm about to be put in prison for being who I am - can you help me?’.

“It breaks my heart that individuals are incarcerated for their true selves.

“There are countries that are significant soccer markets and they don't accept the queer community. These places that often focus on me.”

Despite this, Cavallo says he won't cease advocating.

“Soccer has enabled dialogue in the changing room. It lets me communicate and educate people who want to learn more.

“Some will disapprove for your identity. But I have found my family. I've connected with similar people.

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