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.
(Blackpool FC): In May 2022, Daniels became the first active male pro in the UK to come out since 1990. gay soccers players
: The first professional footballer in England to come out (1990). While many professional soccer players identify as LGBTQ+,