Watford captain Troy Deeney believes there are gay footballers in “every” team, and believes a hundred would be comfortable to come out publicly once the first speaks out.
An anti-homophobia campaigner is working with seven players, including two Premier League stars, who do not yet feel ready to come out publicly.
Footballers will be “very worried about having to shoulder the responsibility of being the first”, says Troy, right.
“I think once the first comes out, there would be loads. I genuinely believe you would get in the first week at least a hundred people that went: ‘Me too’. Just because they don’t want to be the face of it.
“There is probably one gay or bi person in every football team.”
The Premier League partnered with Stonewall in 2017 to promote LGBT equality in football, and players’ union The Professional Footballers’ Association have assured campaigners that stars would be offered support and counselling.
Troy believes now could be the “best time” for footballers to open up about their sexuality.
“I think there is now a bigger platform than ever to be a gay athlete of any nature,” the Watford striker tells Louis Theroux’s Grounded podcast.
Listen to the full interview on Radio 4 on Wednesday at 8pm, or at BBC Sounds.
