: The first openly gay professional referee in English football.
: Former professional player in Asia who came out after his career ended. Openly LGBTQ+ Female Players gay soccers players
(Blackpool FC): In May 2022, Daniels became the first active male pro in the UK to come out since 1990. : The first openly gay professional referee in
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. gay soccers players
(Loudoun United/USL): Martin came out in 2018 while playing for Minnesota United in the MLS and continues to play professionally in the United States.