Professional footballer Josh Cavallo has opened up about the importance of the date he came out as the world's only openly gay male professional footballer.
The Adelaide United central midfielder and young Socceroos player, 21, shared an emotional video to social media on October 27 speaking about his sexuality.
His timing was not coincidental - Cavallo wears the number 27 for the Adelaide Reds, and the 27th is his parents' wedding anniversary.
Cavallo's treasured grandfather also died on the 27th a few years ago, making it a special number for the family.
Adelaide United star Josh Cavallo (pictured) came out as gay in an emotional video posted on his club's official Twitter page on October 27
On October 27, professional footballer Josh Cavallo proudly announced to the world he is gay
The reaction from that day has been monumental.
In an interview with the Herald Sun, he shared how he had spent years 'living a double life' and would worry that simple locker room banter could expose him.
'Before it was like … when I’m playing games or training, I’m worried about the conversation in the change rooms afterwards. It’s very confusing and it’s draining, it’s tiring,' he said.
But in the days since the video was released, Cavallo's previous anxiety has been replaced by relief.
The likes of Swedish superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford and Barcelona's Gerard Pique - a fellow defender - publicly praised the youngster.
Cavallo's social media following his news has also 'blown up' - he now has 143,000 Instagram followers and conducted dozens of interviews around the world soon after his announcement.
Cavallo's announcement makes him the only known gay professional footballer currently playing in the world
At the age of 16, Cavallo, who played youth football with Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City before making his professional debut with Western United, knew he was gay.
He has found the last six years to be exhausting at times, and often considered walking away from the sport he loves.
A conversation with former English professional football player Thomas Beattie was enormously beneficial in the eyes of Cavallo.
Beattie came out after retiring from the world game, and offered some timely advice to Cavallo via Instagram.
He told him he could change the world if he went public with his story.
'I wanted to help or save someone's life... I am sure there are footballers who are terrified of coming out if the reaction is negative.'
Roughly two months ago, Cavallo opened up to Adelaide assistant coach Ross Aloisi about his sexuality.
Aloisi told the Herald Sun it was obvious he was struggling.
'We were all worried about him as he had stopped smiling at training, he wasn't his usual self.'
Cavallo said he was 'exhausted' from 'living a double life' and is excited to show the world his true self
Cavallo went on to tell head coach Carl Veart his news, before sharing his status as a gay man to his teammates.
The playing group embraced and applauded the youngster, which was a huge source of relief.
His new-found status as a gay idol has taken some getting used to but Cavallo is determined to embrace the life he kept hidden for so long.
On the pitch, the driven footballer wants to one day test himself abroad but for now he is happy to carve out a formidable reputation in the A-League, which kicks-off later this month.
In Cavallo's video posted on social media last month, he states he had something personal that he needed to share with everyone.
'I am a footballer and I am gay,' he said.
'Growing up I always felt the need to hide myself because I was ashamed - ashamed I would never be able to do what I love and be gay.'
The 21-year-old said he hopes to inspire others who might be struggling to come out to not be afraid
