Gay, Lesbian And Transgender Footballers Who Changed The Game

The Brave Stories of Gay Footballers

In a sport where courage on the pitch often outweighs personal truth, these footballers have made history, by daring to live authentically. Here’s a deep dive into six trailblazing athletes who have stepped into the light, their journeys resonating far beyond the game.

Josh Cavallo

In October 2021, Josh Cavallo bravely declared, “I’m a footballer and I’m gay,” becoming the only out gay male active in top-flight football at the time. Today, he continues his career in the UK, using his voice to challenge homophobia and represent LGBTQ+ visibility with pride.

Jake Daniels

At only 17, Jake Daniels came out in May 2022, becoming the UK’s first openly gay male professional footballer since Justin Fashanu. His heartfelt message, “I am just a footballer”, resonated far beyond Blackpool FC, reminding fans that identity and ambition can coexist.

Zander Murray

Also in 2022, Zander Murray emerged from Scotland’s Lowland League to live openly. Despite retiring in 2023, he spoke powerfully about living in constant fear and found relief through authenticity, hoping his courage would help others struggling in silence.

Jakub Jankto

In February 2023, Czech international Jakub Jankto announced, “I no longer want to hide myself.” As the first active senior international to come out publicly, he broke barriers, kicking off a fresh wave of representation in European football.

Collin Martin

In 2018, Collin Martin became MLS’s first openly gay male player. His voice has only grown stronger, now speaking out for inclusion and calling for greater accountability in global football when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights.

Phuti Lekoloane

Often known as Phuti Minaj, he came out in 2015 as Africa’s first openly gay male footballer. Despite facing career obstacles and exclusion, he emphasized that staying true to oneself is worth the cost, becoming a beacon of courage in a restrictive environment.

Openly Lesbian Footballers Who Changed the Game On and Off the Pitch

Football has come a long way when it comes to representation and inclusivity, and women’s football has been at the forefront of that progress. Some of the sport’s biggest names are not only stars on the pitch but also role models off it, proudly living their truth as openly lesbian players.

These footballers have used their platform to inspire fans, challenge stereotypes, and normalize same-sex relationships in the game. Let’s take a look at five of the most well-known openly lesbian football players who continue to break barriers.

1. Megan Rapinoe (USA)

One of the most famous names in women’s football, Rapinoe came out publicly in 2012. Beyond her World Cup wins and Ballon d’Or, she’s been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, gender equality, and social justice. She’s engaged to basketball legend Sue Bird, forming one of sports’ most iconic power couples.

2. Sam Kerr (Australia)

The Chelsea and Matildas superstar striker, widely regarded as one of the best forwards in the world, is openly in a relationship with USWNT midfielder Kristie Mewis. Their romance went public after the Tokyo Olympics, making them one of football’s most celebrated LGBTQ couples.

3. Pernille Harder (Denmark)

The Danish forward, who has played for Wolfsburg, Chelsea, and Bayern Munich, has long been open about her sexuality. She was in a high-profile relationship with her former Chelsea teammate Magdalena Eriksson, with their post-match kiss at the 2019 Women’s World Cup going viral as a symbol of love and representation.

4. Magdalena Eriksson (Sweden)

Sweden’s national team captain and defender, Eriksson is another leading figure for LGBTQ+ visibility. Alongside Harder, she’s shown that being authentic doesn’t just inspire fans, it helps normalize same-sex relationships in football.

5. Ali Krieger (USA)

A two-time World Cup winner, Krieger is married to her USWNT teammate Ashlyn Harris. The pair, dubbed “football’s first couple” in the U.S., became role models for LGBTQ+ athletes worldwide, raising a family while staying in the spotlight.

Notable Transgender Footballers Who Are Breaking Barriers

Football is often called “the beautiful game,” but for transgender and non-binary players, the path has rarely been beautiful or easy. Despite the challenges of representation, acceptance, and visibility, a few trailblazers have stepped forward, using their platform to inspire change and normalize inclusivity in the sport. Here’s a look at some of the most notable transgender football players making history on and off the pitch.

1. Quinn (Canada)

When Canada won Olympic gold at Tokyo 2020, the moment wasn’t just historic for the team—it was historic for football. Quinn became the first openly transgender and non-binary player to win an Olympic medal, showing the world that identity and elite sport can coexist proudly.

• Position: Midfielder/Defender
  
• Clubs: OL Reign (NWSL), formerly Paris FC and Seattle Reign

Known for their composure in midfield and strong defensive presence, Quinn uses they/them pronouns and has become one of the most visible trans/non-binary figures in football. Their openness has not only inspired fans worldwide but also sparked crucial conversations about gender inclusion in sports.

2. Kumi Yokoyama (Japan)

A tricky forward with an eye for goal, Kumi Yokoyama made headlines in 2021 by coming out as a trans man, becoming one of the first international footballers to do so.

• Position: Forward
  
• Clubs: Washington Spirit (NWSL), AC Nagano Parceiro (Japan)

Yokoyama has represented Japan on the global stage, including at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Their decision to live openly was motivated by a desire to be true to themselves and to pave the way for younger generations of athletes struggling with identity.

3. Nikki Nailantei (Kenya)

In regions where conversations about gender identity are still incredibly difficult, Nikki Nailantei has shown remarkable bravery.

• Identity: Transgender woman
  
• Level: Semi-professional football in Kenya

She has been outspoken about the struggles of acceptance in African football, shedding light on the social and institutional challenges that trans athletes face. Nikki’s visibility, even at the semi-professional level, is groundbreaking, offering representation in a part of the world where LGBTQ+ athletes often remain silent due to stigma and discrimination.

4. Jaiyah Saelua (American Samoa)

Jaiyah Saelua’s story is one of the most inspiring in world football.

• Position: Defender
  
• Team: American Samoa national team
  
• Identity: Fa’afafine (a third gender in Samoan culture, often recognized as transgender/non-binary)

In 2011, Saelua became the first openly trans/non-binary player to compete in a FIFA World Cup qualifier, making history while representing American Samoa. Their journey was later captured in the acclaimed documentary Next Goal Wins (and the Hollywood adaptation of the same name). Saelua continues to be a proud advocate for inclusivity, showing how culture, identity, and football can intersect beautifully.

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