Football may be the most popular sport on the planet, but there are still areas where progress needs to be made, particularly in the fight against homophobia. After the scandal caused by the attitude of Paris Saint-Germain player Idrissa Gueye and the mixed reactions, we can see that it is still difficult today to declare one’s homosexuality. An Aussie player did it months ago now and he’s had the backing of many in the world of sport and beyond, but today it’s a former football star speaking out about his sexuality.
richardlyson played more than 20 years of football, mainly in his country, Brazil, before retiring in 2021. If he did not manage to break through in Europe, he had a very good career in South America and was even entitled to the honors of the Seleçao, the national team of Brazil. After this brilliant career, he therefore decided to reveal himself in the Brazilian podcast Cloakroom cabinets and he notably mentioned his sexuality. “A lot of people say that my positions are important, so I decided to speak today: I am bisexual”did he declare.
I can’t move mountains to end homophobia in football
An important and historic speech since Richarlyson thus becomes the first footballer who has played in the Brazilian first division to publicly declare his bisexuality. “I hope it will really help” to bring more tolerance in the world of football, he continued. A strong announcement, but the former footballer remains lucid about the scope of his gesture. “I’m just a normal citizen. I’ve had a great career, but I’m not capable of moving mountains to end homophobia in football. Unfortunately, the world is not ready to discuss this subject calmly”.
Former teammate of legend Ronaldinho, the 39-year-old former player today wanted to put an end to rumors around his sexuality. “All my life I’ve been asked if I’m gay.. I had relations with men and women. I have always been myself, I wanted to show that no matter what people say about me, I will always do what I want”he concludes.