'Mr and Mr coming soon': Australian gay footballer proposes to partner at stadium

New Delhi,UPDATED: Mar 15, 2024 17:26 IST

Josh Cavallo, Australia's first active gay professional footballer, has taken a significant step in his personal life by proposing to his partner, Leighton Morrell. The proposal was held in a setting deeply meaningful to Josh - the pitch of Hindmarsh Stadium, home to Adelaide United Football Club, the club he passionately represents.

The stadium, though empty, was filled with the immense love and courage of the moment as Josh got down on his knee to propose to Leighton, announcing the engagement. Leighton is an electrician by profession.

Photographs of this romantic event were shared on Instagram on March 13, where Josh expressed his gratitude towards Adelaide United for their unwavering support and for planning this surprise. He expressed his excitement about starting the year engaged and looking forward to becoming "Mr and Mr."

"Starting this year with my fiance. Mr and Mr coming soon," Cavallo announced in his Instagram post.

"Thank you, Adelaide United Football Club for helping set up this surprise. Your endless support has meant so much to me. You have provided a safe space in football, one that I never in my dreams thought could ever be possible, and encouraged me to live every day of my life authentically. It felt right to share this special moment on the pitch, where it all started," reads the caption of Josh Cavallo's Instagram post.

See Josh Cavallo's Instagram post here:

Since being posted online, social media users filled the comments section of the post with congratulatory messages.

"Oh, you beautiful boys. Such phenomenal news. Congratulations. Sending much love you both," a user said.

Josh Cavallo made headlines globally when he came out publicly three years ago, and announced that he was “ready to speak about something personal that I’m finally comfortable talking about in my life”.