The Aussie has received homophobic abuse from crowds when playing in the A-League and has been vocal about the problem on social media. “It’s difficult to say to people, ‘Absolutely, come out, be yourself,'” he said. “But it also comes with a mountain of downsides as well that I don’t think people realize.” Despite the difficulties and negativity he has faced, Cavallo said that he wished he had come out earlier, rather than waiting until he was 21, because he felt himself living a lie. “I was tired of being hidden and tired of having to go around and hide from people and not live my authentic self,” he said. “And then I would be like why hasn’t this happened in football? Why hasn’t no one ever came out to be themselves and be successful and play. “And I understand that now looking back, all the negativity, all the things that come your way.”