Igor Benevenuto is a FIFA-rated official.
Igor Benevenuto, a Brazilian referee, is now the first FIFA-ranked referee in football history to declare himself as gay.
Benevenuto, 41, revealed that he is gay at a Globoesporte podcast and expressed happiness that he is finally ready to be himself.
Benevenuto said he ‘hated’ football growing up
During the podcast, Benevenuto revealed that growing up with the battle of disguising his sexuality caused him to ‘detest’ football.
He said: “Football is a sport which I grew up hating deeply.
During the podcast, Benevenuto revealed that growing up with the battle of disguising his sexuality caused him to ‘detest’ football.
“I knew I was gay from an early age, and football was a man’s game.” There was no better place to hide my sexuality. But, because playing wasn’t a long-term possibility, I took the only other choice: I became a referee.
“I am 41 years old, and I have committed 23 of those years to the whistle.” I’ve never been the true me until now. Gay people are accustomed to not being themselves.
“To avoid disappointing the hetero world’s expectations, we moderate our opinions. I’ve spent my whole life denying who I am to protect myself from the physical and mental brutality of homophobia. And I found myself in one of the most unfriendly places for a gay man. That’s why I say I despise football.”
FIFA reiterate that “football is for everyone”
“FIFA welcomes and supports referee Igor Benevenuto and his decision to come out,” FIFA said in a statement to GloboEsporte. FIFA, as previously said, is certain that football is for everyone. And Igor’s willingness to be true to himself is a watershed moment in Brazilian and global football.
“We hope this decision will encourage others and inspire greater diversity and inclusion in the beautiful game”
Josh Cavallo of Adelaide United became the first current top-flight male professional footballer to come out as homosexual in October 2021. Blackpool forward Jake Daniels became the first male professional footballer in the United Kingdom to come out earlier this year.
