Instagram: joshua.cavallo
Instagram: joshua.cavallo

Congratulations are in order for Australian footballer Josh Cavallo, who has announced his engagement to partner Leighton Morrell.

In a post to X (formerley Twitter), the Adelaide United player said: “Starting this year with my fiancée.

“Thank you @adelaideunited for helping set up this surprise.

“You have provided a safe space in football, one that I never in my dreams thought could ever be possible. To share this special moment on the pitch, where it all started.”

Alongside the post there are three pictures: one of Josh on one knee mid-proposal, another straight after the question was popped and, lastly, a black and white shot of the pair holding hands with the engagement ring visible.

His team showed instant support for the couple, posting a red love heart below the post as hundreds of fans also shared their happiness over the engagement.

“Heck yes, Joshua!” one wrote. “Congratulations to the both of you and huge cred to the club for helping with the surprise of a lifetime.”

Another added: “Gorgeous ring!! Congratulations to you both.”

“Congratulations Josh!” a third said. “How exciting that it was done in a place where you had been so comfortable in your own skin! Congrats to you both.”

The player has been a consistent advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community since coming out in 2021, when he became the world’s first openly gay male top-flight professional footballer.

At the time, the midfielder said he had been “hiding who I truly am” but was “finally comfortable” to speak out about his sexuality.

“There’s something personal that I need to share with everyone. I am a footballer and I am gay,” he explained in a clip shared to the team’s social media.