Gay Soccer Pro Josh Cavallo Set to Join 'Drag Race Down Under'

Australian pro soccer player Josh Cavallo scored a groundbreaking victory when he came out as gay while still active in the sport in 2021. Now, the midfielder has scored again by joining the Australian version of "Drag Race" as a guest judge for its third season.

"He is the first professional player to come out as gay who is playing top-flight football in the world," noted UK newspaper the Mirror. "The 23-year-old is one of the new judges on the popular show."

"Talking about getting involved, Josh said: 'I'm a big fan of the show and was thrilled to be a guest on the new season of 'RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under.'"

Cavallo, who plays with the team Adelaide United, joins a number of other celebs on the show, Australian newspaper the Star Observer said, including out singer Adam Lambert.

The footballer posted about his TV gig on Instagram, writing, "As the first openly gay male professional football player, embracing your authentic self means freedom but for so many of the queer community this isn't as easy as you think. It's a battle hundreds of millions are going through everyday around the world as we speak."

Cavallo's post continued: "'RuPaul's Drag Race' is important for everyone to celebrate walking in your own shoes and showing the world the real you in your journey."

The "Drag Race" franchise began with "RuPaul's Drag Race" in 2009 on Logo TV. After Season 8 the show switched to VH1. Its 15th season – which wrapped up this past April – was the first on the show's current home, MTV. Along the way the show has spawned a number of spinoffs domestically, as well as more than a dozen international versions in various other countries, including Britain, France, Spain, Holland, Brazil, Italy – and, of course, Australia.

Check out some of Cavallo's other IG posts below.