Coming out in football (and beyond). What the Azzurre can teach us about it
Azzurre in the European Championship semifinal, awaited for July 22. But that’s not the only part making history.
Despite losing the match against Spain last Friday, they still qualified for the quarter-finals of the European Championship in Switzerland. Yesterday, they beat Norway 2–1 in Geneva (thanks to a stunning two-goal performance by Girelli) and are now heading toward the semifinal.
Yet it’s interesting how only since 2022, and only for Serie A players, has a salary been introduced — equal, surprisingly, to that of male Serie C players. Women’s football remains the least represented, least respected, least financed, and most underpaid division. And it is precisely from there that a message of civility and courage — long awaited even in the male sphere — comes.
A historic return, 28 years later
It’s been a whopping 28 years since the last time the Azzurre made it to the semifinals: despite having taken part in every Women’s Euro edition since the championship started in 1984, the team never made it past the quarter-finals.
Furthermore, this is the first time the Nazionale has reached this milestone since the tournament expanded to 16 teams, and in general, it’s the first time the Azzurre have made it into Europe’s top four since 1997. The Azzurre will face the winner of Sweden vs. England on Tuesday, July 22.
But there is yet another record…
Azzurre, champions of courage: Elena Linari makes history
Elena Linari – Photo: Assistwomen
For the first time in Italian football, a captain of the Azzurre has worn the rainbow armband, joining those of Norway, Switzerland, Germany, and England. It’s not the first time women’s football has made itself heard in this way.
For example, in 2022, when FIFA banned the use of the armband during the World Cup in Qatar, several players dyed their hair, nails, and makeup in rainbow colors as a sign of support and protest during the Women’s Euros in England.
Though not the highest ever, this year the number of openly LB+ players was significant: seventy players at the Women’s European Championship (about 20% of the total) have publicly declared their identity. A very powerful message — especially when compared with the male division in football and in traditionally more conservative sports, such as tennis.
A good example is contagious — Norway’s captain Ada Hegerberg praises the Azzurre: “Football needs role models like you”
During an interview with Italian channel RaiSport on July 15, the Norwegian team’s captain Ada Hegerberg (who will later score the point against Italy) praised the relentless fight for visibility and rights (including fair and equal pay, credit, and investment) carried out by women athletes, in particular Italian women in football.
Ada Hegerberg Norway’s captain wearing the rainbow armband at Women’s Euro 2025 in Switzerland – Photo: Kvinnelandslaget
Team Italy last week before the match against Spain. Getty Images
Only one coming out in Italian men’s football
Jakub Jankto is the only professional male footballer to come out in Italy.
The only case of a coming out in Italian men’s football is that of Czech player Jakub Jankto, former Cagliari player. There have been several outings, very few gestures of openness, and much public mockery.
One example above all? Mihajlović at Festival di Sanremo.
Things are relatively better elsewhere. In addition to various initiatives supported by captains, goalkeepers, referees, and ally players (for example Neuer or Hitzlsperger), the few players who have come out recently (Cavallo, Martin, Daniels, Murray) have received support from colleagues — but it’s not all rosy.
Different experiences
At the time of his coming out, Josh Cavallo was supported by Piqué, Lineker, Messi, and others. But despite this, he has received — and continues to receive — insults and threats since 2021, when he played for Adelaide United.
In Italy, Jankto said that football “is still a bit homophobic,” even though he knows he made history. He received many messages of support and gratitude, especially privately, and although he was not immune to criticism and insults, he said he feels better and more serenely “himself.”
Finally, not everyone has the luck of Jake Daniels, Blackpool FC player until June 30, 2025. Daniels has stated several times that he has received “only support” since, in May 2022, he came out publicly at just 17 years old — evidently with much more courage than his adult colleagues.
The IPSOS Survey
According to the Ipsos Pride 2023 report, between 8% and 10% of the global population is LGBTQIA+. Yet, in male-dominated, typically homophobic and conservative environments, coming outs are very rare.
For example, in men’s tennis, the only ATP player to come out is Brian Vahaly in 2017 — 11 years after retirement. Since January 2025, he has been president of the USTA (United States Tennis Association), where he is committed to “creating an inclusive space where everyone can feel welcome and inspired.”
Currently, the only openly gay professional male tennis player in the world is Brazilian João Lucas Reis da Silva.
In light of these data, the contrast is clear. In women’s divisions — both football and tennis — coming outs are more frequent. Several athletes, both active (for example Linari, Kasatkina) and retired (for example Morace, Billie Jean King), have declared their identity.
Why so much fear?
Many years after the first coming out in football history (1990, Justin Fashanu — who later died by suicide), the risk of bullying, discrimination, and even violence remains extremely high in these contexts.
In 2015 in South Africa, Phuti Lekoloane — now goalkeeper at Tornado FC — was outed live on the radio. Years later, he admitted that his career was “sabotaged” by the continual attacks he received. He is currently the only openly and bravely gay footballer on the entire African continent.
We can summarize with the words of Patrice Evra, who in 2022 told Le Parisien:
“In every team there are at least two gay players. But if you come out, you’re finished.”
From the IPSOS Pride Survey 2023
Something doesn’t add up.
If globally LGBTQIA+ people are 9%, why does almost absolute silence continue in men’s sports? Perhaps it’s time for the male side of sport to learn from what women have been showing for quite a while.
Visibility, inclusion, and the courage to denounce wrongs are not gender issues, but simple civilization.
Even if not easy, promoting inclusive communities by preventing discrimination is possible.
Fashanu, Cavallo, Martin, Daniels, Murray, Jankto, and Lekoloane all have shown courage.
Among them, many said they were inspired by other brave athletes, appreciating the support of allies. Although very few, the coming outs that men’s football has seen in recent years are proof that not only is it possible, but that role models are effective and necessary.
Thank you, Azzurre, champions of courage!