:Homosexuality in association football

In 2006 journalist Simon Barnes wrote that homophobia in football was entrenched and would never change,{{cite news |url=https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/football-destined-to-remain-the-last-bastion-of-homophobia-thats-the-straight-naked-truth-ddll65xkklp |title=Football destined to remain the last bastion of homophobia – that's the straight, naked truth |access-date=27 April 2021 |date=6 October 2006 |first=Simon |last=Barnes |website=The Times}} and in 2009 journalist Matt Williams wrote that being a gay professional player in football was still a taboo,{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/4426278.stm|title=Is homophobia in football still a taboo?|access-date=12 August 2009|date=10 November 2005|author=Matt Williams|work=BBC News}} Football magazine When Saturday Comes described homosexuality as a "continuing taboo" in the sport in 2013.{{cite web|url=http://www.wsc.co.uk/wsc-daily/1158-february-2013/9476-the-continuing-taboo-of-homosexuality-in-football|title=The continuing taboo of homosexuality in football|date=28 February 2013|author=Colin Crummy|publisher=When Saturday Comes|access-date=8 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130306055459/http://www.wsc.co.uk/wsc-daily/1158-february-2013/9476-the-continuing-taboo-of-homosexuality-in-football|archive-date=6 March 2013|url-status=dead}} One male player who came out after retiring said that there are at least as many closeted gay male players as there are openly LGBT+ female players.{{Cite web |date=5 July 2019 |title=Lesbian visibility at Women's World Cup has impact far off the field |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/lesbian-visibility-women-s-world-cup-has-impact-far-field-n1026741 |access-date=26 July 2023 |website=NBC News |language=en}} John Amaechi, the first NBA player to come out, in 2014 blamed football's "toxic" culture for the lack of openly gay players,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25660495|title=John Amaechi: Football 'toxic' for gay people and minorities|date=8 January 2014|access-date=9 January 2014|work=BBC Sport}} while English former footballer Clarke Carlisle called for more education to be given to players to combat homophobia.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26160126|title=Clarke Carlisle wants more education to combat homophobia|date=13 February 2014|access-date=13 February 2014|work=BBC Sport}}

In June 2022, it was revealed that homophobia made up the majority of online abuse aimed at footballers, 40% for men and 27% for women.{{cite web|last=Howell |first=Alex |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61912426 |title=Homophobia large portion of online abuse aimed at footballers and basketballers – study |work=BBC Sport |date=26 June 2022 |accessdate=27 June 2022}}

In July 2023, Quinn became the first openly transgender player at a World Cup.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66299441|title='Historic' - the World Cup's first out trans player|work=BBC Sport }}

The first male professional player to come out was Andy Brennan, who did so in May 2019, when playing for Green Gully in the National Premier Leagues Victoria, a semi-professional league.{{cite web |last=Holden |first=Steve |date=19 August 2019 |title=Coming out in football has only felt amazing |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-49372109 |work=Newsbeat |publisher=BBC News}} In October 2021,{{cite web|url=https://www.adelaideunited.com.au/news/adelaide-united-supports-joshs-truth|title=Adelaide United supports Josh's Truth|website=Adelaide United|date=27 October 2021}} A-League Men player Josh Cavallo became the first openly gay active top flight footballer in the world.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/59048667|title=A-League player Cavallo comes out as gay|work=BBC Sport }}

No male Australian internationals are openly gay, though a number of the Australian women's national team are, including Sam Kerr,{{cite web|url=https://wwos.nine.com.au/football/sam-kerr-matildas-star-reveals-how-girlfriend-helped-her-through-injury/6f904212-108a-4bda-adb0-565d042168e4|title=How Kerr's partner helped her through 'lowest point'|website=wwos.nine.com.au|date=17 March 2019 }} Michelle Heyman{{cite news|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/topics/zela/article/2016/02/29/get-out-and-stay-out-michelle-heyman|title=Get out and stay out: Michelle Heyman|website=SBS|access-date=3 June 2020|date=10 August 2016|archive-date=11 August 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811184343/http://www.sbs.com.au/topics/zela/article/2016/02/29/get-out-and-stay-out-michelle-heyman|url-status=dead}} and Tameka Yallop (née Butt).{{cite news|url=https://www.sbs.com.au/topics/pride/fast-lane/article/2017/12/27/matildas-star-tameka-butt-announces-engagement-klepp-teammate-kirsty-yallop|title=Matildas Star Tameka Butt Announces Engagement To Klepp Teammate Kirsty Yallop|website=SBS|date=27 December 2017|access-date=3 June 2020}}

In March 2024, national team manager Ralf Rangnick dropped three players for homophobic chanting following a club game.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2024/mar/13/austria-coach-ralf-rangnick-drops-three-players-for-homophobic-chanting|title=Austria coach Ralf Rangnick drops three players for homophobic chanting|agency=Associated Press|date=13 March 2024|newspaper=The Guardian}}

In 2007, Richarlyson was named on Brazilian television as gay by the administrative manager of a rival team. When Richarlyson undertook legal action, the complaint was thrown out by the judge, who stated "football was a virile masculine sport and not a homosexual one."{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6930806.stm|title=Brazil judge in gay football row|access-date=12 August 2009|date=4 August 2007|author=Gary Duffy|work=BBC News}} Richarlyson would later come out as bisexual in 2022.{{cite web|url=https://ge.globo.com/futebol/noticia/2022/06/24/pelo-direito-de-ser-quem-e.ghtml|title=Pelo direito de ser quem é: Richarlyson declara bissexualidade em podcast inédito sobre homofobia no futebol|trans-title=For the right to be who he is: Richarlyson declares bisexuality in an unprecedented podcast about homophobia in football|publisher=Globo Esporte|language=pt|date=24 June 2022|access-date=24 June 2022}}

Jamerson Michel da Costa, nicknamed Messi, is the first Brazilian footballer who came out as homosexual while pursuing his professional career, in September 2010.{{cite web|url=https://tribunadonorte.com.br/esportes/palmeira-de-goianinha-derruba-preconceito-e-tem-goleiro-homossexual/ |title=Palmeira de Goianinha derruba preconceito e tem goleiro homossexual |website=Tribuna do Norte |date=13 September 2010 |access-date=21 November 2023 |language=pt}}

In January 2019, former Botafogo footballer Douglas Braga said that he had quit football aged 21 as it was not possible for him to be both gay and a footballer.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-46261167|title=The Brazilian footballer who never was|first1=Simon|last1=Maybin|first2=David|last2=Baker|date=3 January 2019|work=BBC News}}

Many Brazilian footballers refuse to wear shirt number 24 for fear of being labelled as gay, as the number 24 is associated with homosexuality in Brazil. This derives from the number 24 in Jogo do bicho being assigned to the deer – {{Lang|pt|veado}} in Portuguese, which sounds like {{Lang|pt|viado}}, a slur for a gay man – and from the Portuguese for 24, {{Lang|pt|vinte e quatro}}, sounding like {{Lang|pt|vim de quatro}} ("I came on all fours", making reference to the doggy style).{{cite web |url=https://www.nssmag.com/en/sports/19769/brazil-shirt-24|title=Why nobody in Brazil wears No.24 shirt? |website=NSS Sports}}

After the 2014 FIFA World Cup, a shout imported from Mexican fans "oooh, puto" was adopted as a sensation by several fan groups organized as "oooh, bicha", shouted at rival team goal kicks. After interruptions due to homophobic demonstrations and the COVID-19 crisis, the shout fell into disuse.{{cite web|url=https://esportes.r7.com/futebol/oooo-bicha-grito-homofobico-passa-ileso-nos-estadios-do-brasileirao-29062022/ |title="Ôôôô... Bicha!". Grito homofóbico passa ileso nos estádios do Brasileirão |website=R7 Esportes |date=15 August 2015 |access-date=13 May 2024 |language=pt}}

Several renowned Brazilian women's internationals are openly lesbian, including Bárbara, Cristiane, Debinha and Marta.{{cite web |url=https://www.revistaquem.globo.com/amp/QUEM-News/noticia/2019/06/mes-do-orgulho-lgbtqia-conheca-os-casais-da-copa-do-mundo-feminina.html |title=revistaquem.globo.com/ |access-date=24 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620220139/https://revistaquem.globo.com/amp/QUEM-News/noticia/2019/06/mes-do-orgulho-lgbtqia-conheca-os-casais-da-copa-do-mundo-feminina.html |archive-date=20 June 2019 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=https://www.brasil.elpais.com/brasil/2019/06/22/deportes/1561209574_309053.amp.html |title=brasil.elpais.com/brasil |access-date=24 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624090722/https://brasil.elpais.com/brasil/2019/06/22/deportes/1561209574_309053.amp.html |archive-date=24 June 2019 |url-status=dead }}

Emerson Ferretti, historic goalkeeper for EC Bahia, was elected president of the club in 2023. Ferretti had declared himself homosexual in August 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.uol.com.br/esporte/ultimas-noticias/agencia/2023/12/03/ex-goleiro-de-gremio-e-flamengo-emerson-ferretti-e-eleito-presidente-do-bahia.htm |title=Ex-goleiro de Grêmio e Flamengo, Emerson Ferretti é eleito presidente do Bahia |website=UOL Esporte |date=3 December 2023 |access-date=13 May 2024 |language=pt}}

In 2024, the minor league football player Polidoro Júnior, famous for affairs with Brazilian celebrities, claimed to have had a relationship with Pabllo Vittar.{{cite web|url=https://www.cnnbrasil.com.br/esportes/futebol/quem-e-polidoro-junior-jogador-affair-de-pabllo-vittar/ |title=Quem é Polidoro Junior, jogador affair de Pabllo Vittar |website=CNN Brasil |date=22 April 2024|access-date=13 May 2024 |language=pt}}

In 2006, PFC Levski Sofia president Todor Batkov called referee Mike Riley a "British homosexual",{{Cite news|date=1 April 2006|title=FA acts to defend referee Riley|language=en-GB|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/4867610.stm|access-date=12 October 2021}} following Riley's controversial sending off of Cedric Bardon during the UEFA Cup quarterfinal game against Schalke 04.{{cite news|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=soccer&id=2391793|title=Levski Sofia to appeal against Bardon red card|date=31 March 2006|work=Soccernet|publisher=ESPN Sports Media|agency=Reuters}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gulfweekly.com/Articles.aspx?articleid=20026|title=The life of Riley... red cards and all|date=20 August 2008|work=Gulf Weekly|publisher=Al Hilal Publishing & Marketing Group|access-date=6 November 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130124230627/http://www.gulfweekly.com/Articles.aspx?articleid=20026|archive-date=24 January 2013|url-status=dead}}

In 2019, Barbora Votíková, a Paris Saint-Germain FC and Czech Republic women's national football team player, came out as gay.{{cite web|title=COMING OUT|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp0_dWKze9U&ab_channel=B%C3%A1raVot%C3%ADkov%C3%A1|website=YouTube| date=21 October 2019 |access-date=13 February 2023}}

In February 2023, Sparta Prague and Czech Republic national team midfielder Jakub Jankto came out as gay, the first active men's international player to do so.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64622199|title=Czech midfielder Jankto comes out as gay|work=BBC Sport }}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/67129042|title=Coming out means I can play without hiding - Jankto|work=BBC Sport }}

Anders Lindegaard is one of the few footballers to have spoken out against the intolerance of homosexuality in football{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2012/nov/27/anders-lindegaard-game-needs-gay-hero|title=Manchester United's Anders Lindegaard says game needs 'gay hero'|accessdate= 14 October 2021|website= The Guardian|date=27 November 2012}} and the absence of openly gay players from the professional game, in 2012.{{cite news |date=28 November 2012 |title=Football needs gay hero, says Manchester United goalkeeper |work=BreakingNews,ie |publisher=Landmark Digital |url=http://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/football-needs-gay-hero-says-manchester-united-goalkeeper-575849.html |access-date=28 November 2012}}

{{Main article|Homosexuality in English football}}

File:Casey_Stoney.jpg, who captained the England women's team, is a lesbian.]] Justin Fashanu, older brother of fellow footballer John Fashanu, was the first professional footballer to come out as gay,{{cite news |author=Tony Cascarino |date=28 April 2003 |title=Is it time to open the closet? |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article870292.ece |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209155317/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/article870292.ece |archive-date=9 December 2019 |access-date=12 August 2009 |work=The Times}} after he agreed to an exclusive with tabloid newspaper The Sun on 22 October 1990.{{cite journal|title=£1m Football Star: I AM GAY|date=22 October 1990|journal=The Sun}} Fashanu claimed to have had an affair with a married Conservative MP who he first met in a London gay bar.{{cite news|title=Soccer star in gay romp|date=23 October 1990 |work=Herald Sun}} A week later, John Fashanu publicly distanced himself from his brother, describing Justin as an "outcast",{{cite journal|title=John Fashanu: My Gay Brother is an outcast|date=30 October 1990|journal=The Voice}}{{cite web | title='My Brother Wasn't Gay | website=HuffPost UK | date=16 March 2012 | url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/03/16/john-fashanu-doesnt-believe-his-brother-justin-was-gay_n_1353917.html | access-date=16 March 2024}}{{cite web | last=Stroude | first=Will | title=How homophobia claimed the life and career of Justin Fashanu, the world's first openly gay footballer | website=Attitude | date=22 October 2020 | url=https://www.attitude.co.uk/culture/sexuality/how-homophobia-claimed-the-life-and-career-of-justin-fashanu-the-worlds-first-openly-gay-footballer-301868/ | access-date=16 March 2024}} while Justin's manager Brian Clough famously described him as a "bloody poof". Fashanu was interviewed for the July 1991 cover story of Gay Times, and Fashanu revealed that no club had offered him a full-time contract since the story first appeared.{{cite magazine|author=John Marshall|title =Justin Fashanu: Soccer's enigmatic gay star|magazine=Gay Times|date=July 1991}} In the morning of 3 May 1998, he was found hanged in a deserted lock-up garage he had broken into, in Shoreditch, London, after visiting Chariots Roman Spa, a local gay sauna. In his suicide note, he stated: "I realised that I had already been presumed guilty. I do not want to give any more embarrassment to my friends and family," in reference to allegations of sexual assault made against him.{{cite magazine|author=Vicky Powell|title =Suicide note increases speculation over death of Justin Fashanu|date=June 1998|magazine=Gay Times}}

In August 2010, Hope Powell, the openly gay coach of the England women's team, was named in 68th place on The Independent newspaper's Pink List of influential lesbian and gay people in the UK.{{cite news |date=1 August 2010 |title=The IoS Pink List 2010 |url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/news/the-ios-pink-list-2010-2040472.html |work=The Independent}}

In 2013, David Haigh became the first openly gay managing director of an English football club.{{Cite web |title='I don't see a Premier League player coming out any time soon' - Ex-Leeds director Haigh | Goal.com |url=https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/no-gay-premier-league-player-any-time-soon/gw52waa4c8k6196xvjcyhob7p |website=www.goal.com}}{{cite news |last1=Kelleher |first1=Patrick |date=22 June 2020 |title=One of the only gay football bosses in history says rampant homophobia means a player won't be coming out anytime soon |url=https://www.thepinknews.com/2020/06/22/david-haigh-football-leeds-united-gay-lgbt-coming-out-premier-league-rainbow-laces/ |access-date=23 December 2022 |work=PinkNews |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=BBC Local Radio – The LGBT Sport Podcast, The One with David Haigh |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p075djdm |website=BBC|date=3 April 2019 }}{{Cite web |last=Jackman |first=Josh |date=26 October 2017 |title=20 players have told me they're gay, says top football boss |url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2017/10/26/20-footballers-have-told-me-theyre-gay-says-top-football-boss/ |work=PinkNews}} In November 2017, Pink News credited David Haigh along with Robbie Rogers and Thomas Hitzlsperger with paving the way for LGBT players and managers in football.{{Cite web |last=Andersson |first=Jasmine |date=15 November 2017 |title=How are we going to effectively tackle homophobia in football? |url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2017/11/15/how-are-we-going-to-effectively-tackle-homophobia-in-football/ |work=PinkNews}}

Many players have come out in recent years, including Casey Stoney, captain of the England women's team, who came out in February 2014.{{cite news |author=Alistair Magowan |date=10 February 2014 |title=Casey Stoney: England captain reveals her sexuality for first time |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26084748 |access-date=10 February 2014 |work=BBC News}} Liam Davis, a non-league player with Gainsborough Trinity, revealed in 2014 that he had been out as gay for four years; he is the country's only openly gay male semi-professional player.{{cite web |date=13 January 2014 |title=Gainsborough Trinity's Liam Davis comes out |url=http://www.wsc.co.uk/wsc-daily/1172-january-2014/11016-gainsborough-trinity-s-liam-davis-comes-out-as-gay |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140114021553/http://www.wsc.co.uk/wsc-daily/1172-january-2014/11016-gainsborough-trinity-s-liam-davis-comes-out-as-gay |archive-date=14 January 2014 |access-date=13 January 2014 |publisher=When Saturday Comes}}{{cite news |date=15 January 2014 |title=How I came out: Britain's only openly gay footballer |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25735717 |access-date=15 January 2014 |work=BBC News}} In June 2020, ex-player Thomas Beattie came out as gay.{{cite web |title=Thomas Beattie: Football distracted me from accepting I'm gay |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12016314/thomas-beattie-football-distracted-me-from-accepting-im-gay |website=Sky Sports}}{{cite news |title='I wanted to turn my pain into purpose' |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/60378689 |work=BBC Sport}}

In August 2017, Ryan Atkin came out as gay, becoming the first openly gay match official in English football.{{cite news |date=10 August 2017 |title=Ryan Atkin: Being first openly gay official is 'significant' for football |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40890953 |work=BBC Sport}}{{cite news |date=23 November 2019 |title=Ryan Atkin: From linesman to champion – first openly gay referee on experiences |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50489826 |work=BBC Sport}}

In July 2019, an anonymous Twitter account called 'The Gay Footballer' announced that they were a professional footballer playing in the EFL Championship. After saying they intended to come out publicly, they later deleted the account.{{cite news |last=Hunte |first=Ben |date=24 July 2019 |title='Gay footballer' deletes Twitter account |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-49093329 |work=BBC News}}{{cite web |last=Baggs |first=Michael |date=26 July 2019 |title=Why fans want a top UK footballer to come out |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-49114747 |work=Newsbeat |publisher=BBC News}}

On 16 May 2022, Blackpool player Jake Daniels came out as gay, making him the only current gay male professional footballer in the UK.{{cite web |title=Jake Daniels: Blackpool forward becomes UK's first active male professional footballer to come out publicly as gay |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12614531/jake-daniels-blackpool-forward-becomes-uks-first-active-male-professional-footballer-to-come-out-publicly-as-gay |access-date=16 May 2022 |website=Sky Sports |language=en}} He said that doing so would allow him to be "free and confident",{{cite news |title=Coming out as gay a relief – Blackpool's Daniels |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61467159 |work=BBC Sport}} and it was described by the BBC as a "watershed moment".{{cite news |title=Why Daniels coming out is a watershed moment |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61471763 |work=BBC Sport}}

No player has ever played in the English Premier League while openly gay, and openly gay German player Thomas Hitzlsperger stated in January 2014 that he thought it would be a long time before this happened.{{cite news |date=9 January 2014 |title=Thomas Hitzlsperger: Openly gay top-flight player some way off |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25661228 |access-date=9 January 2014 |work=BBC Sport}} Players such as John Ruddy,{{cite news |date=10 January 2014 |title=John Ruddy: Norwich goalkeeper says gay players would be backed |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25679536 |access-date=10 January 2014 |work=BBC Sport}} Richarlison and Lucas Digne{{cite web |title=Richarlison and Lucas Digne: Everton duo insist out gay team-mate would be accepted |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11671/12035785/richarlison-and-lucas-digne-everton-duo-insist-out-gay-team-mate-would-be-accepted |website=Sky Sports}} have spoken about their belief that a gay teammate would be accepted and supported. In July 2020, a current Premier League player revealed he was gay but would/could not come out.{{cite web |title=Unnamed Premier League footballer reveals he is gay in letter but says he can't go public |url=https://news.sky.com/story/unnamed-premier-league-footballer-reveals-he-is-gay-in-letter-but-says-he-cant-go-public-12026295 |website=Sky News}}

On multiple occasions there have been reports of homophobic chanting by fans attending matches, and arrests made or fines issued to fans and clubs. In December 2011, a Southampton fan was banned for three years for homophobic chanting.{{cite news |date=2 December 2011 |title=Southampton FC fan banned over homophobic chant |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-16011008 |access-date=3 December 2011 |work=BBC News}} In August 2019, Bristol Rovers were fined by the FA for homophobic chanting by their fans.{{cite news |date=19 December 2019 |title=Bristol Rovers: Football Association imposes homophobic chants fine |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50856499 |work=BBC Sport}} In December 2019, Brighton players were subjected to homophobic abuse by Wolves fans; two people were arrested.{{cite news |date=9 December 2019 |title=Brighton v Wolves: Two arrests for homophobic abuse during Premier League match |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50710295 |work=BBC Sport}} On 1 February 2020, two West Ham United fans were arrested in London Stadium by the police for directing homophobic chants towards Brighton & Hove Albion fans during a Premier League match.{{cite web |title=West Ham fans arrested over gestures towards Brighton supporters |url=https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/18206694.west-ham-fans-arrested-gestures-towards-brighton-supporters/ |access-date=3 February 2020 |website=The Argus|date=3 February 2020 }}

In January 2023, there were alleged homophobic chants by Nottingham Forest fans, aimed at Chelsea fans,{{Cite news |title=Forest to investigate alleged homophobic chanting |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64141226 }} by Manchester United fans against Everton manager Frank Lampard (who used to play for Chelsea),{{Cite news |title=Rashford shines as Man Utd beat Everton in FA Cup |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64182366 }} by Manchester City fans, also aimed at Chelsea,{{Cite news |title=FA investigates alleged homophobic chants at Man City |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64205888 }} and by Liverpool fans against Chelsea, for which three people were later arrested.{{Cite news |title=Arrests made over alleged homophobic Anfield chants |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64360412 }} The FA said that they would charge the clubs whose fans had targeted Chelsea,{{Cite news |title=FA can charge clubs over homophobic Chelsea chant |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64241443 }} with the chant in question having been defined as a homophobic slur by the Crown Prosecution Service in January 2022.{{Cite news |title=Chelsea welcome CPS ruling on chant |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/60031427 }} In March 2023 there were homophobic chants during a match between Leeds United and Brighton, with Leeds later being fined £150,000.{{Cite news |title=Leeds fined £150,000 after homophobic chanting |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66537288 }} In April 2023, three Wolverhampton Wanderers fans were arrested following homophobic chanting during a match against Chelsea.{{Cite news |title=Three arrests after homophobic chants at Wolves |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65221106 }} In July 2023, a Fulham fan was banned for three years for homophobic chants,{{Cite news |title=Fulham fan gets three-year ban for homophobic chant |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66175152 }} and later that month, Wolverhampton Wanderers were fined £100,000 due to homophobic chants by their fans.{{Cite news |title=Wolves fined £100,000 for fans' homophobic chants |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66198330 }} In May 2023, a LGBTQ+ Manchester United supporters group criticised chanting from their own fans against opposition players.{{Cite news |title=Offensive chants not 'banter' - Man Utd fan group |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65695243 }}

Heterosexual players, such as Sol Campbell,{{cite news |date=15 May 2009 |title=Pair guilty of homophobic chants at footballer Sol Campbell |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2009/may/15/sol-campbell-chant-guilty-portsmouth |access-date=12 August 2009 |work=The Guardian}} Ryan Allsop,{{cite news |date=18 November 2019 |title=Tranmere v Wycombe: Fan arrested after Ryan Allsop reports homophobic abuse |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50454497 |work=BBC Sport}} Billy Gilmour{{cite news |title=Liverpool condemn homophobic chanting |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/58220000 |work=BBC Sport}} and Conor Gallagher{{cite news |title=Leeds says homophobic chant 'unacceptable' |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/59487764 |work=BBC Sport}} have been the victim of homophobic abuse by fans. Another heterosexual player, Graeme Le Saux, was homophobically abused by fellow player Robbie Fowler.

In August 2014, Malky Mackay and Iain Moody were accused of sending each other racist, sexist and homophobic text messages.{{cite web |date=16 July 2015 |title=Malky Mackay, Iain Moody escape FA action for 'racist, sexist and homophobic' texts |url=https://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/malky-mackay-iain-moody-escape-fa-action-for-racist-sexist-and-homophobic-texts_sto4823039/story.shtml |access-date=14 October 2021 |website=Eurosport UK |language=en}} Moody left his job as sporting director of Crystal Palace as a result.{{cite news |author=David Ornstein |date=21 August 2014 |title=Malky Mackay text claims: Iain Moody leaves Crystal Palace |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28880830 |access-date=22 August 2014 |work=BBC Sport}} Mackay apologised for the texts.{{cite news |date=21 August 2014 |title=Malky Mackay: Ex-Cardiff boss sorry for two 'disrespectful' texts |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28890833 |access-date=22 August 2014 |work=BBC Sport}} The League Manager's Association defended Mackay, claiming that the texts were merely "banter"; the LMA later apologised for this.{{cite news |date=22 August 2014 |title=Malky Mackay: LMA apologises for statement over text 'banter' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28896425 |access-date=22 August 2014 |work=BBC Sport}}{{cite news |date=22 August 2014 |title=Malky Mackay texts: Cardiff want LMA chief Richard Bevan to resign |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28898540 |access-date=22 August 2014 |work=BBC Sport}} Mackay denied being racist, sexist or homophobic.{{cite news |date=22 August 2014 |title=Malky Mackay: 'I'm not racist nor sexist' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28904368 |access-date=22 August 2014 |work=BBC Sport}}

In April 2014, Colin Kazim-Richards was found guilty of making a homophobic gesture at Brighton fans.{{cite news |date=9 April 2014 |title=Colin Kazim-Richards guilty over homophobic gesture |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-26960629 |access-date=14 April 2014 |work=BBC News}} In December 2021, Walsall player Manny Monthe was banned for seven matches for making a homophobic comment during a game.{{cite news |title=Walsall's Monthe banned for seven games |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/59685469 |work=BBC Sport}}

In January 2022, Ian Holloway said he felt English football was homophobic.{{cite news |title=Football is homophobic – Holloway |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/60113865 |work=BBC Sport}}

The Gay Football Supporters Network was founded in 1989 to campaign for gay rights in English football, and it currently organises the GFSN National League, a league consisting of gay teams.{{cite web|title=GFSN – Gay Football Supporters Network|url=https://www.gfsn.co.uk/|access-date=14 October 2021|website=GFSN|language=en}} Stonewall Football Club is currently{{when|date=August 2019}} Britain's highest ranking gay football team, are on the verge of going semi-professional.{{citation needed|date=March 2013}}

The prominent gay rights activist Peter Tatchell joined a Football Association campaign against homophobia in football,{{cite news |author=Mark Gould |date=21 October 2008 |title=Homophobia in football faces red card |url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/joepublic/2008/oct/21/equality-gender |access-date=12 August 2009 |work=The Guardian}} but later left stating the organisation does not take the matter seriously.{{cite news |last=Riach |first=James |title=FA red-faced over 'detestable' gay slur by equality board member |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jan/02/fa-detestable-gay-slur-equality-board-member |access-date=3 January 2014 |work=The Guardian}}

The gay rights group Stonewall published a report in August 2009 which described English football as "institutionally homophobic".{{cite news |date=12 August 2009 |title=Football 'failing on homophobia' |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8197306.stm |access-date=12 August 2009 |work=BBC News}} In February 2014, it was revealed that only 11 of the Premier League's 20 teams, and only 17 of the Football League's 72 teams, had joined the 'Football v Homophobia' campaign.{{cite news |author=Alistair Magowan |date=5 February 2014 |title=Man Utd and Chelsea back 'Football v Homophobia' campaign |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/26021176 |access-date=15 February 2014 |work=BBC Sport}}

In December 2013, Leeds United, became the first Stonewall Diversity Champion in English football, championing gay equality within the club and wider football.{{Cite web |last=Sampy |first=Rochelle |date=2 December 2013 |title=Leeds United promotes gay equality through Stonewall's diversity programme |url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2013/12/02/leeds-united-promotes-gay-equality-through-stonewalls-diversity-programme/ |work=PinkNews}} Former Leeds United player Robbie Rogers, who was one of the first male professional footballers to come out as gay, launched his 'Beyond It' anti-discrimination charity with David Haigh at the club.{{Cite web |date=19 December 2013 |title=ROBBIE PARTNERS WITH CLUB FOR BEYOND IT |url=https://www.leedsunited.com/news/team-news/3130/robbie-partners-with-club-for-beyond-it |website=www.leedsunited.com}}

In August 2023, Aaron Ramsdale, whose brother is gay, said he would begin calling out homophobia in the sport.{{Cite news |title=I stayed quiet but that ends today - Ramsdale |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66394989 }}

Olivier Rouyer came out after retiring as a player and coach.{{cite web|url=http://www.tetu.com/actualites/people/Olivier-Rouyer-commentateur-sportif-et-ex-footballeur-fait-son-coming-out-12595|title=Olivier Rouyer, commentateur sportif et ex-footballeur, fait son coming-out|access-date=12 August 2009|date=19 February 2008|publisher=Têtu|trans-title=Olivier Rouyer, sports commentator and ex-footballer, comes out |language=fr|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090601161053/http://www.tetu.com/actualites/people/Olivier-Rouyer-commentateur-sportif-et-ex-footballeur-fait-son-coming-out-12595|archive-date=1 June 2009}}{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/other-sports/discrimination-of-any-kind-in-sport-must-be-stamped-out.16792366|title=Discrimination of any kind in sport must be stamped out|access-date=15 April 2012|date=18 February 2012|first=Doug |last=Gillon|publisher=Herald & Times Group|work=The Herald}}

A gay amateur team operates in Paris under the name Paris Foot Gay. The club's highest profile supporter from within the professional game has been former France national football team player Vikash Dhorasoo (who is heterosexual){{cite web|url=http://parisfootgay.free.fr/fr/association/parrains.php|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306112105/http://parisfootgay.free.fr/fr/association/parrains.php|url-status=dead|title=Parrain – Marraine|publisher=Paris Foot Gay|trans-title=Godfather – Godmother|archive-date=6 March 2012}} whilst a number of leading French professional clubs have signed their charter against homophobia.{{cite web|url=http://parisfootgay.free.fr/fr/association/signataires.php|publisher=Paris Foot Gay|title=Signataires|access-date=15 September 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100830024152/http://parisfootgay.free.fr/fr/association/signataires.php|archive-date=30 August 2010|url-status=dead}} The club ran into controversy in 2009, however, when an amateur side Creteil Bebel refused to play them due to the "principles" of Paris Foot Gay.{{Cite news|url=http://www.lemonde.fr/sport/article/2009/10/14/football-le-creteil-bebel-exclu-apres-son-refus-de-jouer-le-paris-foot-gay_1254024_3242.html|title=Le Créteil Bébel exclu après son refus de jouer le Paris Foot Gay|date=14 October 2009|work=Le Monde|access-date=21 August 2017|language=fr|issn=1950-6244|trans-title=Créteil Bébel excluded after refusal to play Paris Foot Gay|agency=AFP}} Additionally, Ouissem Belgacem left Toulouse FC after five years of having to hide his homosexuality. In 2021, he published his autobiographic novel {{Lang|fr|Adieu ma honte}} ["Goodbye to my shame"] to denounce homophobia in association football.{{Cite web |title=Ouissem Belgacem : pour que la honte change de camp |url=https://www.haute-garonne.fr/actualite/ouissem-belgacem |access-date=9 August 2022 |website=Haute-Garonne |language=fr}}

The issue returned to the spotlight in 2010 when amateur FC Chooz refused to register Yoann Lemaire, who had been with the club for 14 years, due to him being gay as they claimed it might lead to "trouble" with his teammates.{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3264/french-football/2010/09/08/2109798/french-amateur-club-refuses-to-sign-gay-player-report|title=French amateur club refuses to sign gay player – report|publisher=Goal.com|date=8 September 2010|access-date=30 January 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190131040244/https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3264/french-football/2010/09/08/2109798/french-amateur-club-refuses-to-sign-gay-player-report|archive-date=31 January 2019|url-status=dead}}

In March 2019, former player Patrice Evra denied making homophobic comments against Paris Saint-Germain.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47635662|title=Patrice Evra denies Paris St-Germain's 'homophobic insults' claim|date=20 March 2019|work=BBC Sport}}

In August 2019, a Ligue 2 match between Nancy FC and Le Mans FC was halted following homophobic chants from the stands against the league.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49381357|title=AS Nancy-Le Mans game halted by referee because of homophobic chants|date=17 August 2019|work=BBC Sport}} France's Secretary of State for Equality, Marlene Schiappa reacted on Twitter and congratulated the referee for interrupting the match.{{citation needed|date=March 2024}} Later that month a game between Nice and Marseille was halted due to homophobic chanting.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49502780|title=Homophobic chants halt Ligue 1 game between Nice and Marseille|date=29 August 2019|work=BBC Sport}}

In May 2022, Idrissa Gueye was not included in the PSG team sheet for what manager Mauricio Pochettino revealed to be "personal reasons", and not an injury.{{cite web |last=O'Callaghan |first=Rory |date=16 May 2022 |title=Idrissa Gana Gueye 'Missed PSG's Win At Montpellier After Refusing To Wear Rainbow Flag On Kit' |url=https://www.sportbible.com/football/idrissa-gana-gueye-missed-psg-win-montpellier-rainbow-flag-lgbtq-20220516 |access-date=16 May 2022 |website=SPORTbible}} This brought the media spotlight on Gueye; RMC Sport reported that he had refused to play in the match due to PSG's shirts featuring the rainbow flag in support of the LGBT movement, an initiative taken by Ligue 1 for the occasion of the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.{{cite web |date=15 May 2022 |title=PSG: Gueye a bien boycotté le match à Montpellier en raison du maillot contre l'homophobie |trans-title=PSG: Gueye indeed boycotted the match against Montpellier due to the shirt against homophobia |url=https://rmcsport.bfmtv.com/football/ligue-1/psg-gueye-a-bien-boycotte-le-match-a-montpellier-en-raison-du-maillot-contre-l-homophobie_AV-202205150268.html |access-date=16 May 2022 |website=RMC Sport |language=fr}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61492696|title=Gueye refused to wear PSG shirt with rainbow symbol|work=BBC Sport }} He had also notably missed the same fixture in the previous season, with the reasoning behind his non-participation then being that he was suffering from gastroenteritis.{{cite web |date=14 May 2022 |title=L'absence d'Idrissa Gueye contre Montpellier fait parler |trans-title=The absence of Idrissa Gueye against Montpellier is making people talk |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/L-absence-d-idrissa-gueye-contre-montpellier-fait-parler/1333138 |access-date=16 May 2022 |website=L'Équipe |language=fr}} For his controversial absence against Montpellier, Gueye received backlash and calls for sanctions from Rouge Direct, an organization against homophobia,{{cite web |date=16 May 2022 |title=Rouge Direct, association contre l'homophobie, interpelle Idrissa Gueye (PSG) |trans-title=Rouge Direct, association against homophobia, challenges Idrissa Gueye (PSG) |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Rouge-direct-association-contre-l-homophobie-interpelle-idrissa-gueye-psg/1333338 |access-date=16 May 2022 |website=L'Équipe |language=fr}} and île-de-France politician Valérie Pécresse, among others.{{cite web |date=16 May 2022 |title=French politician calls on Idrissa Gueye to be sanctioned for refusal to wear rainbow shirt |url=https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2022/french-politician-calls-on-idrissa-gueye-to-be-sanctioned-for-refusal-to-wear-rainbow-shirt/ |access-date=16 May 2022 |website=Get French Football News}} Senegalese president Macky Sall expressed his support for Gueye, justifying the position by stating that Gueye's "religious beliefs must be respected".{{cite web |date=17 May 2022 |title=Senegal's president supports Gueye after homophobia accusations |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/senegals-president-supports-gueye-homophobia-173205499.html |access-date=17 May 2022 |website=Yahoo! Sports |archive-date=17 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517184952/https://sports.yahoo.com/senegals-president-supports-gueye-homophobia-173205499.html |url-status=dead }}

Following the controversy surrounding Idrissa Gueye, French former international referee Nicolas Potier publicly came out.{{cite web |date=20 May 2022 |title=A former French international referee comes out after controversy |url=https://www.theindianpaper.com/blog/2022/05/a-former-french-international-referee-comes-out-after-controversy/ |access-date=20 May 2022 |website=The Indian Paper}}

In May 2023, further players refused to participate in anti-homophobia actions,{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65592785|title=Toulouse players left out in anti-homophobia 'disagreement'|work=BBC Sport }} with French sports minister Amelie Oudea-Castera calling for sanctions against them.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65594868|title=Minister wants sanctions in anti-homophobia row|work=BBC Sport }}

In May 2024, Monaco player Mohamed Camara covered up anti-homophobia badges on his shirt.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cjrrdp4ew58o|title=Mohamed Camara: Malian criticised for covering anti-homophobia logos|date=21 May 2024|website=BBC Sport}} He later received a four-match ban for this.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cm553l77m5zo|title=Mohamed Camara: Monaco midfielder handed four-game ban for covering anti-homophobia logos|date=31 May 2024|website=BBC Sport}}

In November 2017, while playing for Dutch club Vitesse, Georgian footballer Guram Kashia wore a rainbow armband as part of the Dutch initiative Coming Out Day. His show of support for gay rights led to protests outside the Georgian Football Federation's headquarters demanding his removal from the national team, at which eight people were arrested. He described himself as being "proud to support equal rights".{{Cite web |title=8 arrests at Georgia demo over soccer player's gay rights armband |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/8-arrests-georgia-demo-over-player-s-gay-rights-armband-n816446 |access-date=3 July 2022 |website=NBC News |date=November 2017 |language=en}}

File:Der Hammer.jpg came out as gay after retiring.]]

The Hamburger SV (HSV) player Heinz Bonn (1947–1991) was the first Bundesliga player to be publicly known as being gay, but only after his death. He played for HSV from 1970 to 1973. He was found murdered in his flat in Hannover on 5 December 1991, apparently by a male prostitute, according to police investigators, although the crime has never been solved. The historian Werner Skrentny has said at the time Bonn was playing, journalists had little interest in the private lives of footballers and it would have been unthinkable for him to come out.{{cite web|author=Andreas Backer|date=18 September 2016|url=http://www.ndr.de/fernsehen/sendungen/sportclub/Sportclub-Story-Heinz-Bonn,sendung500124.html|title=Heinz Bonn, Homosexueller HSV-Profi vor 25 Jahren ermordet|trans-title=Heinz Bonn, homosexual HSV professional murdered 25 years ago|publisher=NDR Television|format=Article and programme (28:40 min)|access-date=18 July 2017|language=de|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170801141930/http://www.ndr.de/fernsehen/sendungen/sportclub/Sportclub-Story-Heinz-Bonn,sendung500124.html|archive-date=1 August 2017|url-status=dead}} HSV has its own official LGBT fan club. Blue Pride was founded in 2006. It was renamed Volksparkjunxx in 2012.{{cite web |url=https://www.volksparkjunxx.de/ |title=Wir sing ein offizieller Fanclub vom Hamburger Sport Verein (HSV)! |date=9 July 2012 |website=Volksparkjunxx |language=German |access-date=27 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120921015609/https://www.volksparkjunxx.de/ |archive-date=21 September 2012}}

Marcus Urban, born 1971, played with the East Germany national youth football team and as an amateur in the second division club Rot-Weiß Erfurt. From the age of 13, he had been hot-housed at a specialist sports boarding school in Erfurt but at the age of 20, in 1991, when he was about to become a professional footballer, he gave up the sport. He came out to friends and family in 1994, and in 2007 publicly spoke to the media about his homosexuality and the difficulties that gay footballers experience. He said that the pressure of having to pretend to be something he was not 24 hours a day was too much for him. He became widely known after a biography titled {{Lang|de|Versteckspieler: Die Geschichte des schwulen Fußballers Marcus Urban}} ('Hidden Player: the story of the gay footballer Marcus Urban') was published in 2008.Blaschke, Ronny (2008) Versteckspieler: Die Geschichte des schwulen Fußballers Marcus Urban, Göttingen: Verlag Die Werkstatt{{cite news|author=Roland Kirbach|url=http://www.zeit.de/2007/26/Homosexuelle|title=Schwulsein heute – ganz normal?|trans-title=Being gay today – normal?|work=Zeit Online|publisher=Die Zeit|date= 21 June 2007|access-date= 16 July 2017|language=de}}

Urban has since{{when|date=August 2019}} become a spokesperson and campaigner on diversity issues in sport and the workplace. He advises the German Olympic Sports Confederation and the Sports Committee of the German Federal Parliament, as well as businesses and non-profit institutions.[https://www.dosb.de/de/tablet/gleichstellung-im-sport/service/kontakte/expertinnen-netz/datenbank/?tx_dsbprojekte_pi1%5Bmode%5D%5B2%5D=173&cHash=bd3eedf06ec6563691952f72c233289a DOSB Expertinnen-Datenbank]{{dead link|date=August 2019}} Retrieved 16 July 2017{{cite web|url=https://www.bundestag.de/dokumente/textarchiv/2011/34054431_kw15_pa_sport/205136|title=Homophobie ist im Sport noch stark ausgeprägt|work= Deutscher Bundestag|date=2011|access-date=16 July 2017|language=de|trans-title=Homophobia is still very strong in sports}}

In December 2006, Rund magazine published an interview done over a two-year period with two gay footballers living secret lives. One was married and said his wife did not know of his sexual orientation nor realise he was involved in an intimate relationship with his childhood friend. The other often brought a female friend to social events.{{Cite news|url=http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,2312541,00.html |title=Germany's Gay Soccer Players Stuck Firmly in the Closet|publisher=Deutsche Welle|work=DW.com|date=17 January 2007}}

In March 2010, former manager Rudi Assauer said that "If a player came to me and said he was gay I would say to him: 'You have shown courage'. But then I would tell him to find something else to do.{{cite web|title=Outrage At Former German Footballer Rudi Assauer's Controversial Anti-Gay Slur|url=https://www.goal.com/en/news/15/german-football/2010/03/14/1833254/outrage-at-former-german-footballer-rudi-assauers|access-date=2021-10-14|website=GOAL}} That's because those who out themselves always end up busted by it, ridiculed by their fellow players and by people in the stands. We should spare them these witch hunts."{{cite web|url=http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2010/03/12/german-football-boss-says-gay-players-should-find-another-job/|title=German football boss says gay players should find another job|date=12 March 2010|work=PinkNews|access-date=8 August 2010}}

On 8 January 2014, Thomas Hitzlsperger, who had retired from professional football in September 2013, announced that he was gay.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25628806|title=Thomas Hitzlsperger: Former Aston Villa player reveals he is gay|date=8 January 2014|access-date=8 January 2014|work=BBC Sport}} Before coming out, in September 2012, Hitzlsperger had publicly spoken about players coming out.{{cite web|url=http://www.wsc.co.uk/wsc-daily/1172-january-2014/11065-hitzlsperger-removes-aura-around-homosexuality-in-germany|title=Hitzlsperger removes aura of gay players in Germany|date=16 January 2014|access-date=16 January 2014|first=Paul|last=Joyce|publisher=When Saturday Comes|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140117050628/http://www.wsc.co.uk/wsc-daily/1172-january-2014/11065-hitzlsperger-removes-aura-around-homosexuality-in-germany|archive-date=17 January 2014|url-status=dead}} In September 2014 he said that he believed the sport was tackling homophobia.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29188829|title=Thomas Hitzlsperger: Football is tackling homophobia|date=13 September 2014|access-date=13 September 2014|first=Jonathan|last=Smith|work=BBC Sport}}

In June 2021, at the delayed UEFA Euro 2020 tournament, Germany national football team captain Manuel Neuer was investigated by UEFA for wearing a rainbow captain's armband.{{cite web|title=Manuel Neuer: UEFA drops review of rainbow armband worn by Germany captain at Euro 2020 during Pride Month|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/19692/12337162/manuel-neuer-uefa-drops-review-of-rainbow-armband-worn-by-germany-captain-at-euro-2020-during-pride-month|access-date=14 October 2021|website=Sky Sports|language=en}} The potential fines were dropped as the UEFA said that it was not a political statement but "a team symbol for diversity and thus for a good cause".{{Cite journal|last=Wessner|first=Martin|date=1 February 2004|title=Neuer Wein für neue Schläuche!|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1524/icom.3.2.4.38342|journal=I-com|volume=3|issue=2/2004|page=4|doi=10.1524/icom.3.2.4.38342|s2cid=35953955|issn=1618-162X}}

In October 2024, Kevin Behrens apologised after refusing to sign a rainbow-themed shirt, saying it was "gay shit". He was punished by his club.{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2024/10/09/kevin-behrens-germany-apologises-homophobic-slur-wolfsburg/|title=German footballer tells fan: ‘I won’t sign that gay s---’|first=Ben|last=Rumsby|date=9 October 2024|via=www.telegraph.co.uk}}

On 15 June 2021, Hungary played their opening match against Portugal at the delayed UEFA Euro 2020 tournament, with Hungarian fans allegedly displaying homophobic banners.{{Cite news|date=16 June 2021|title=Soccer-UEFA sent report on homophobic banner at Budapest Euro match|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-euro-lgbt-idUKKCN2DS1PB|access-date=14 October 2021}} UEFA announced an investigation.{{cite web|date=20 June 2021|title=Euro 2020: UEFA probes discrimination at matches in Budapest|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/football/euro-2020-uefa-probes-discrimination-at-matches-in-budapest-7367953/|access-date=21 June 2021|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}

In June 2019, the Irish women's national football team captain Katie McCabe and fellow Irish international Ruesha Littlejohn announced that they were in a relationship. McCabe described women's football as being "very accepting" regarding gay footballers.{{Cite web |title='The women's game is very accepting' – Ireland skipper Katie McCabe publicly confirms relationship with teammate |url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/the-womens-game-is-very-accepting-ireland-skipper-katie-mccabe-publicly-confirms-relationship-with-teammate-38179147.html |access-date=17 July 2022 |website=independent |date=4 June 2019 |language=en}}

In June 2018, Mexican fans engaged in homophobic chanting during the 2018 FIFA World Cup game against Germany.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/44525523|title=Fifa probes Mexico 'homophobic chants'|work=BBC Sport }}

Mexican football fans are known for shouting out {{Lang|es|"Puto!"}} (a Spanish homophobic slur), when the opposing team's goalkeeper is about to perform a goalkick. The chant has been shouted during Liga MX matches as well as in matches with the Mexico national team. However, these chants have led to fines and have also led Liga MX, FIFA, and CONCACAF to implement protocols regarding them.{{cite web|url=https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/measures-to-stop-fans-chanting-eh-puto/|title=Soccer authorities plan measures to stop fans chanting 'Eh puto'|date=21 September 2019}}{{cite web|url=http://mexico.cnn.com/deportes/2014/06/19/fifa-investiga-a-hinchas-mexicanos-por-conducta-inapropiada-en-el-mundial|title=FIFA investiga a hinchas mexicanos por conducta inapropiada en el Mundial}}

The first time these protocols were initiated were during a series of matches between Club León and Monarcas Morelia in 2019.{{cite web|title=¡Histórico! Grito homofóbico detiene el primer partido de Liguilla |url=https://www.foxsports.com.mx/news/435183-historico-grito-homofobico-detiene-el-primer-partido-de-liguilla |publisher=Fox Sports (Mexico)|access-date=27 November 2019}}

During the 2021 CONCACAF Nations League Finals, fans chanted out the homophobic chant during both the semifinal against Costa Rica and the final match against the United States. This has led CONCACAF to initiate their anti-discrimination protocol by stopping the match in order to warn fans of getting ejected for saying the chant.{{cite news|title=With Mexico in Concacaf Nations League, soccer again confronts homophobic slur at matches |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2021/06/04/nations-league-mexico-homophobic-slur/ |newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=19 June 2021}}

In June 2021 the Mexican Football Federation were punished by FIFA for alleged homophobic chants from their fans during the 2020 CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualifying Championship. They were fined up to $65,000 and were forced to have the Men's National Team to play two World Cup qualifying games behind closed doors.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/story/2021-06-18/mexico-announces-sanctions-for-fans-use-of-homophobic-chant|title=Mexico to play two World Cup qualifiers without fans due to use of homophobic chant|date=18 June 2021|website=Los Angeles Times}}

In June 2023, during the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League semi-final between Mexico and the United States, there were homophobic chants from Mexican fans.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65925502|title=Four players sent off in USA's win against Mexico|work=BBC Sport }}

In April 2009, former Dordrecht'90 striker John de Bever married his manager and friend Kees Stevens. De Bever played at the 1996 FIFA Futsal World Championship{{FIFA player|204111|John de Bever}} and was named World Futsal player of the year in 1997.{{cite web|url=http://www.deondernemer.nl/sport/326716/Uit-de-kast-zonder-roze-handtasje.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120728113434/http://www.deondernemer.nl/sport/326716/Uit-de-kast-zonder-roze-handtasje.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 July 2012|title= Uit de kast zonder roze handtasje|trans-title=Out of the cupboard without a pink handbag|work=De Ondernemer|publisher=de Persgroep Nederland |language=nl}}

In June 2021 on NOS podcast "de schaduwspits", an anonymous Eredivisie player came forward as to being homosexual. He did not reveal his identity however, because of the backlash he would receive.

Thomas Berling retired from professional football after coming out in 2000, citing widespread homophobia in the football community as the reason.{{cite news|url=http://www.dagbladet.no/sport/2001/04/28/254800.html|title=Homohetsen fikk Thomas til å legge opp|access-date=12 August 2009|date=28 April 2001|work=Dagbladet|language=no|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090606154223/http://www.dagbladet.no/sport/2001/04/28/254800.html|archive-date=6 June 2009|trans-title=The homophobia made Thomas quit}}

Several female players have come out as homosexual, including Bente Nordby and Linda Medalen.{{cite web|url=http://www.dagbladet.no/sport/2005/07/20/437921.html|title=Folk må følge bedre med|trans-title=People have to keep up with it|work=Dagbladet|first=Sigve|last=Kvamme|date=20 July 2005|language=no|access-date=13 August 2009}}

In June 2015, a Bærum SK player was given a straight red card for calling his Sandnes Ulf opponent "gay" during a 1. divisjon match.{{cite news|title=Baerum's Simen Juklerod sent off for derogatory use of 'gay'|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/33062443|access-date=9 June 2015|work=BBC Sport|date=9 June 2015}}

In October 2016, Stabæk Fotball became the first European club to host a pride parade preceding their home fixture against Sarpsborg 08. The team continues to host a pride parade preceding a home fixture each season.{{Cite news|url=https://www.dagbladet.no/sport/stabaek-med-verdens-forste-fotball-pride--nbspnoen-kamper-er-viktigere-enn-andre/63973504|title=Stabæk med verdens første fotball-pride: -Noen kamper er viktigere enn andre|date=19 October 2016|work=Dagbladet.no|access-date=30 June 2018|language=no|trans-title=Stabæk with the world's first football pride: – Some matches are more important than others|first=Endre|last=Lübeck}}

Ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, LGBT fans were told to be "respectful of the host nation" by British politician James Cleverly; same-sex activity is illegal in Qatar.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-63401193|title=LGBT football fans told to be respectful at Qatar World Cup|work=BBC News |date=26 October 2022}} LGBT organisations in England called on pubs and bars not to stream games.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/63671614|title=Pride organisations call for World Cup bar boycott|work=BBC Sport }}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-birmingham-63676223|title=Qatar World Cup: 'Football is leaving behind its LGBT fans'|work=BBC News |date=18 November 2022}}

In July 2023 English player Jordan Henderson, known for his support of LGBT rights, was criticised for signing for a Saudi Arabian club.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66324791|title=Henderson's Saudi move has 'tarnished reputation'|work=BBC Sport }}

In May 2019, Hibernian chief executive Leeann Dempster, a lesbian, said that Scottish football was ready for its first publicly gay player.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48123027|title=Leeann Dempster: Hibs chief executive says Scottish game 'ready for gay player'|date=2 May 2019|work=BBC Sport|first=Tom|last=English}}

In June 2019, Partick Thistle launched their new away kit for the 2019–20 season which featured LGBT rainbow details, becoming the first Scottish club to do so.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48679183|title=Partick Thistle to wear LGBT rainbow on away shirt|date=18 June 2019|work=BBC Sport}}{{cite news|url=https://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/17715690.praise-for-partick-thistle-as-it-launches-away-kit-with-lgbt-flag-colours/|title=Praise for Partick Thistle as it launches away kit with LGBT+ flag colours|work=Evening Times|first=Aftab|last=Ali|date=19 June 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/partick-thistle-launches-inclusive-new-away-top-featuring-lgbt-rainbow-stripe-1-4949720|title=Partick Thistle launches "inclusive" new away top featuring LGBT rainbow stripe|work=The Scotsman|publisher=JPI Media|date=18 June 2019|first=David|last=McLean}}{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/29032/11744386/partick-thistle-launch-lgbt-away-shirts-for-201920-season|title=Partick Thistle launch LGBT away shirts for 2019/20 season|publisher=Sky Sports|first=Blake|last=Welton|date=18 June 2019}}

In June 2022, Scottish referees Craig Napier and Lloyd Wilson came out as gay.{{cite web |title=Craig Napier: Scottish category one referee comes out as gay in bid to 'change climate' in football |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12625953/craig-napier-scottish-category-one-referee-comes-out-as-gay-in-bid-to-change-climate-in-football |access-date=2 June 2022 |website=Sky Sports |language=en}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61671888|title=Scottish referees Napier & Wilson come out as gay|work=BBC Sport }}

In September 2022, Zander Murray became the first openly gay male senior player in Scotland.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/62935726|title=Murray becomes first openly gay Scottish player|work=BBC Sport }} He later said he was "blown away" by the support he had received.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-62961588|title=Footballer Murray 'blown away' by support after coming out as gay|work=BBC News |date=20 September 2022}} In December 2023 he announced that he would be retiring.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-67771203|title=Zander Murray: First openly gay male Scottish footballer to retire|date=27 December 2023|via=www.bbc.co.uk}}

Eudy Simelane (1977–2008), a player on the South Africa women's national football team, was an openly lesbian player who was raped and murdered for being gay.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/mar/12/eudy-simelane-corrective-rape-south-africa|title=Raped and killed for being a lesbian: South Africa ignores 'corrective' attacks|access-date=12 August 2009|date=12 March 2009|author=Annie Kelly|work=The Guardian}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55950480|title=The footballer raped and murdered for being a lesbian|work=BBC Sport }}

Phuti Lekoloane was an openly gay male player who played in the South African third division.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-africa-47179197/south-africa-football-being-openly-gay-has-held-my-career-back|title=Being openly gay has held my career back|work=BBC News|date=10 February 2019}}

In 1934, Ana María Martínez Sagi, partner of writer Elisabeth Mulder, became a Director of FC Barcelona, the first woman to do so in Spanish football's history.{{cite book|last=Warren|first=Patricia Nell|title=The lavender locker room: 3000 years of great athletes whose sexual orientation was different|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WF0TAQAAIAAJ|date=30 November 2006|publisher=Wildcat Press|isbn=978-1-889135-07-6}}

The first gay and lesbian football supporters' group to be officially accepted by a Spanish club was founded in February 2009, and supports FC Barcelona.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/feb/28/gay-rights-spain-football|title=Gay group tackles football homophobia|access-date=12 August 2009|date=28 February 2009|author=Giles Tremlett|work=The Guardian}}

A popular football chant in Spanish stadiums is {{Lang|es|maricón}}, a slur for a gay man.

Spanish women's international Laura del Río is a lesbian.{{cite news|last1=D'Arcangelo|first1=Lyndsey|title=The Two of Us: Nikki and Laura|url=http://www.curvemag.com/Curve-Magazine/Web-Articles-2012/The-Two-of-Us-Nikki-and-Laura/|access-date=9 June 2015|work=Curve|date=2 March 2012}}

Atlético Madrid football player Rafael Rodríguez Rapún (1912–1937) was poet Federico García Lorca's partner in life.{{cite web|url=https://www.ideal.es/granada/lorca-gustaba-futbol-20190414000124-ntvo.html|title="A Lorca le gustaba el fútbol, y el equipo de sus amores era el Atleti de Madrid"|date=14 April 2019|website=Ideal}}

Referee Jesús Tomillero, the first to come out as gay, received police protection over homophobic death threats.{{cite news |last1=Oliveira |first1=Joana |title=Spain's only openly gay referee under protection due to death threats |url=https://english.elpais.com/elpais/2016/09/16/inenglish/1474017677_917320.html |access-date=15 March 2022 |work=El País|date=16 September 2016}}

In October 2022, Iker Casillas tweeted that he was gay, before later deleting the tweet. He said he was hacked and apologised.{{Cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12716521/iker-casillas-former-real-madrid-goalkeeper-deletes-twitter-post-announcing-he-is-gay|title=Iker Casillas: Former Real Madrid goalkeeper deletes Twitter post announcing he is gay|website=Sky Sports}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/63193331|title=Casillas deletes 'I'm gay' tweet saying he was hacked|work=BBC Sport }} Carles Puyol replied to the tweet in a joking manner, and later apologised for doing so;{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/63195549|title=Why Casillas' 'I'm gay' tweet was no laughing matter|work=BBC Sport }} Puyol had been a vocal public supporter of the Barcelona women's team,{{Cite web |last=Clark |first=Gill |date=29 March 2022 |title=Carles Puyol gives Barcelona Femeni motivational speech before UWCL Clasico |url=https://www.barcablaugranes.com/2022/3/29/23000383/carles-puyol-gives-barcelona-femeni-motivational-speech-before-uwcl-clasico |access-date=19 August 2023 |website=Barca Blaugranes |language=en}} with players suggesting they would speak with him on the matter.{{Cite web |last=Collings |first=Simon |date=10 October 2022 |title=Bronze: Casillas and Puyol 'jokes' prove need for LGBTQ+ education |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/iker-casillas-puyol-lucy-bronze-twitter-gay-b1031511.html |access-date=19 August 2023 |website=Evening Standard |language=en}}

Anton Hysén, son of former Sweden international Glenn Hysén, came out as gay in March 2011 whilst playing for Utsiktens BK, then a Swedish football Division 2 side.{{cite news|title=Swedish football player Hysen comes out as gay, making headlines in the country|agency=Associated Press|via=Google News|date=9 March 2011|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5h9yJwL0WjDKm-z1I-RXbfxHkTuig?docId=6190670|access-date=9 March 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110312201357/http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5h9yJwL0WjDKm-z1I-RXbfxHkTuig?docId=6190670|archive-date=12 March 2011|url-status=dead}}

Halil İbrahim Dinçdağ was a referee with the Turkey Football Federation for 13 years, but was sacked from this position due to his homosexuality. The Trabzon Board of Referees and the Turkish Football Association decided that he was not eligible for the role as he was previously excused from the military service for being homosexual. The Board of Referees has an association policy that excludes those that having not completed the military duties due to a mental illness (including homosexuality) are ineligible as referees, although normally homosexuality is not considered as such by the Turkish constitution.Hefner, Robert W. Remaking Muslim politics: Pluralism, contestation, democratization. Robert W Hefner. Princeton University Press, 2009 The Turkish Football Federation was fined {{TRY}}23,000 after the incident.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35194359|title=Turkish Football Federation fined for sacking gay referee|work=BBC News |date=29 December 2015}}

One of Turkey's famous football commentators, Erman Toroğlu, argued that Dinçdağ should not be given his referee position back due to the professional reasons such as the possibility for making wrong decisions related to his homosexuality.{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/gay-referee-gets-red-card-in-turkey-1718056.html|title=Gay referee gets red card in Turkey|date=25 June 2009|work=The Independent|author=Nicholas Birch}}

In an interview with the Turkish journalist Canan Danyıldız, one of the famous Turkish football managers, Yılmaz Vural, was asked about the presence of LGBT people in Turkish football. He said that although he has never witnessed any homosexual interaction in the locker rooms, he knows that there exist gay football players in the Turkish League. He added that he does not believe homosexuality inhibits the talents of the players and that everyone should be free to live their personal lives the way that they want to. He finalized his words by saying that gay Turkish football players can never come out of the closet since everyone knows about the case of the former referee Dinçdağ.{{cite web|url=https://www.posta.com.tr/gay-futbolcular-var-ama-ayri-muamele-yapmam-213795|title=Gay futbolcular var, ama ayrı muamele yapmam!|work=Posta|trans-title="There are gay footballers, but I don't treat them separately!"|date=19 January 2014|language=tr}}

Another important interview about LGBT people in Turkish Football was held between the journalist Elif Korap and the famous former football player and present football commentator Rıdvan Dilmen. When he was asked whether or not he knew of any gay Turkish football players, his answer was straightforward: "Of course, as there are in any other profession." Dilmen criticized other people in the Turkish football industry for not admitting the presence of LGBT people, since they are afraid of being considered as homosexual as well. Although Dilmen said that he does not approve the discrimination against the LGBT people in the Turkish football, on contrary, he argued that he would still disinherit his own kid for being gay once he was reminded about a negative comment he made during an interview in 1989.{{cite web|url=http://www.milliyet.com.tr/2004/11/21/pazar/apaz.html|title=MİLLİYET İNTERNET – PAZAR|work=Milliyet|date=11 November 2014|access-date=7 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111094716/http://www.milliyet.com.tr/2004/11/21/pazar/apaz.html|archive-date=11 November 2017|url-status=dead}}

In 2021, was reported that Galatasaray S.K. midfielder Taylan Antalyalı received homophobic abuse on Twitter for wearing a pride-themed T-shirt.{{Cite web|url=https://www.duvarenglish.com/turkish-footballer-taylan-antalyali-becomes-target-of-homophobes-for-wearing-pride-t-shirt-news-57976|title=Turkish footballer Taylan Antalyalı becomes target of homophobes for wearing Pride t-shirt|first=Duvar|last=English|date=28 June 2021|website=www.duvarenglish.com }}

Former MLS player David Testo, having been released by Montreal Impact the previous month, affirmed he was gay in an interview on the French Canadian division of Radio Canada that was published on 10 November 2011.{{cite web|title=David Testo affirme son homosexualité|trans-title=David Testo states his homosexuality|work=Radio Canada|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|date=10 November 2011|url=http://www.radio-canada.ca/sports/soccer/2011/11/10/001-testo-sortie-jeudi.shtml|access-date=10 November 2011|language=fr}}

On 15 February 2013, midfielder Robbie Rogers, who had been released by Leeds United a few weeks earlier, came out after announcing his retirement from professional football.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21479520|title=Robbie Rogers: Ex-Leeds United and USA winger reveals he is gay|date=15 February 2013|work=BBC Sport}} Rogers later stated that being openly gay was "impossible" in the sport.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21974436|title=Robbie Rogers says coming out in football is 'impossible'|date=29 March 2013|work=BBC Sport}} He has since returned to football, signing a "multi-year" contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy.{{cite news |title=Robbie Rogers: LA Galaxy sign former Leeds United winger |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22668369|work=BBC Sport|date=25 May 2013 |access-date=1 June 2013 }} Rogers stated in December 2013 that he had not received any contact from other, secretly, gay players.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25446001|title=Robbie Rogers says no gay players have contacted him|date=19 December 2013|access-date=19 December 2013|work=BBC Sport}}

In October 2020, San Diego Loyal FC player Collin Martin, who is openly gay, accused a Phoenix Rising FC opposition player of homophobic abuse in a match.{{Cite news|last=Hudson|first=Molly|title='We won't stand for bigotry' – Landon Donovan's San Diego Loyals walk off pitch after gay player Collin Martin is subjected to alleged homophobic abuse|newspaper=The Times|language=en|url=https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/we-wont-stand-for-bigotry-landon-donovans-san-diego-loyals-walk-off-pitch-after-gay-player-collin-martin-is-subjected-to-alleged-homophobic-abuse-m0fz6p78n|access-date=14 October 2021|issn=0140-0460}} San Diego Loyal walked off in protest, forfeiting the game.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54367938|title=US team walks off after 'homophobic slur'|work=BBC Sport }} A few days later Phoenix Rising player Junior Flemmings received a six-match ban for the incident,{{cite web |title=USL Championship Suspends Junior Flemmings for Use of Foul and Abusive Language |url=https://www.uslchampionship.com/news_article/show/1125785 |website=USL Championship |access-date=7 October 2020 |date=6 October 2020}} and was placed by Phoenix Rising officials on administrative leave for the remainder of his contract term, which concludes on 30 November 2020.{{cite web |title=Rising Statement on Findings of USL Investigation |url=https://www.phxrisingfc.com/news_article/show/1126443 |website=Phoenix Rising FC |access-date=6 October 2020 |date=6 October 2020 |archive-date=9 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009032804/https://www.phxrisingfc.com/news_article/show/1126443 |url-status=dead }} Flemmings has denied making the alleged comments.{{cite news |title=Junior Flemmings: Phoenix Rising midfielder gets six-game ban for homophobic slur |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54443676 |access-date=7 October 2020 |work=BBC Sport |date=6 October 2020}}

Several female players have come out as LGBT as well. Megan Rapinoe, Abby Wambach, and Ali Krieger are notable examples.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/lesbian-visibility-women-s-world-cup-has-impact-far-field-n1026741|title=Lesbian visibility at Women's World Cup has impact far off the field|website=NBC News|date=5 July 2019 }}

In March 2025, San Diego FC's opening home match of the 2025 MLS season was marred by repeated homophobic chants from the crowd, which the club condemned.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c1en0z715y9o|title=San Diego FC condemn 'unacceptable' homophobic chanting during first MLS home fixture|date=4 March 2025|website=BBC Sport}}

{{Category see also|LGBTQ association football players}}

{{incomplete list|date=June 2024}}

{{main|List of LGBT women's association footballers}}

{{Incomplete list|date=March 2024}}

{{portal|Women's association football|Association football|LGBTQ}}

• Gay Football Supporters Network
• Homosexuality in American football
• Homosexuality in Australian rules football
• Homosexuality in modern sports
• International Gay and Lesbian Football Association
• List of IGLFA member clubs
• List of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender sportspeople
• Mario (2018 film)
• OneLove

{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

• Beasley, Neil (2016) Football's Coming Out: Life as a Gay Fan and Player [London]: Floodlit Dreams {{ISBN|978-0992658564}}
• Magrath, Rory (2016) Inclusive Masculinities in Contemporary Football: Men in the Beautiful Game, Abingdon: Routledge {{ISBN|978-1138653610}}
• Rogers, Robbie; Marcus, Eric (2014) Coming Out to Play, London: The Robson Press {{ISBN|978-1849547208}}

• Blaschke, Ronny (2008) Versteckspieler: Die Geschichte des schwulen Fußballers Marcus Urban, Göttingen: Verlag Die Werkstatt {{ISBN|978-3895336119}}
• Endemann, Martin (ed.), et al. (2015) Zurück am Tatort Stadion: Diskriminierung und Antidiskriminierung in Fußball-Fankulturen, Göttingen: Verlag Die Werkstatt {{ISBN|978-3730701317}}
• Kosmann, Marianne (ed.) (2011) Fußball und der die das Andere: Ergebnisse aus einem Lehrforschungsprojekt, Freiburg: Centaurus Verlag & Media UG {{ISBN|978-3862260508}}
• Leibfried, Dirk; Erb, Andreas (2011) Das Schweigen der Männer: Homosexualität im deutschen Fußball, Göttingen: Verlag Die Werkstatt {{ISBN|978-3895338151}}
• Rohlwing, Christoph (2015) Homosexualität im deutschen Profifußball: Schwulenfreie Zone Fußballplatz?, Baden-Baden: Tectum-Verlag {{ISBN|978-3828835962}}
• Walther-Ahrens, Tanja (2011) Seitenwechsel: Coming-Out im Fußball, Gütersloh: Gütersloher Verlagshaus {{ISBN|978-3579066998}}

{{Association football}}

Category:Association football culture

Category:Association football issues

Category:History of association football

Association Football

Category:Association football player non-biographical articles