While many professional soccer players identify as LGBTQ+, only a small number of male players are currently "out" and active at the highest professional levels as of 2026. In contrast, female professional soccer has a long history of prominent openly gay and queer athletes.
(Gala Fairydean Rovers): Murray became the first senior Scottish male player to come out in 2022. Notable Retired Male Players gay soccers players
: The first professional footballer in England to come out (1990). While many professional soccer players identify as LGBTQ+,
(Adelaide United): In 2021, Cavallo became the first active top-tier male professional to come out. He remains a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in the sport. gay soccers players