A group of top footballers in Germany are planning to come out as gay on 17 May, the International Day Against Homophobia.
The event aims to make a powerful statement during the Bundesliga season, just before its second last weekend.
According to reports by Preussische Allgemeine Zeitung, the clubs with players involved in the event are aware and supportive of the decision, although some players may still have reservations.
Former German footballer Marcus Urban publicly came out as gay in 2007 after retiring and has voiced his support for these plans.
Urban, now a co-founder of Diversero, a global diversity community, emphasises the importance of the 17 May event as a step towards combating hate speech and promoting acceptance of gay men in sports.
“There are gay Bundesliga couples who are in hiding,” he said.
“[It] would be so liberating [if they came out]. What’s wrong with it?”
Besides Urban, former Aston Villa, West Ham and Everton player, Thomas Hitzlsperger, came out as gay a year after retiring in 2014.
Adelaide United midfielder Josh Cavallo became the only active footballer to come out as gay in October 2021.
After Cavallo came out, Blackpool forward Jake Daniels, Cagliari’s Jakub Jankto and San Diego Loyal midfielder Collin Martin have also declared they are glad to be gay.
Pictured above: Pride captain armband.
Image source: West Ham United.
