Adelaide United's Josh Cavallo is now openly gay. He is the only openly gay professional footballer in the top flight.
Cavallo announced the news via video and open letter to social media.
A-League's star declared he felt "finally at ease" talking out about his sexuality and hopes others will be inspired by it.
The 21-year old added that he had been living a double life and hiding who he really was.
"I have something that is personal and I want to share it with everyone. Cavallo stated that he is a footballer and that he is gay in a video posted to Adelaide United's Twitter.
The midfielder stated that it was exhausting trying to live a double life and performing to his best while also being a professional footballer.
He also shared a personal message via his social media accounts.
He said, "It was a long journey to reach this point in my own life, but it's something I am proud of."
"I've been struggling with my sexuality for six-years now, and I'm happy that I can finally put it to rest.
"As a child, I felt the need to hide my feelings because I was embarrassed. I was ashamed that I wouldn't be able do what I loved and be homosexual.
"Growing up gay and playing soccer were two worlds that had never crossed paths."
Andy Brennan, a former Newcastle Jets player, became Australia's first professional male soccer player while still playing. He plays now for semi-professional Hume City.
Many top-flight players have retired after their playing career.
Thomas Hitzlsperger, a former Everton, Stuttgart, West Ham, West Ham player, is one of the most prominent gay ex-players. He came out publicly in the year following his retirement.
Robbie Rogers, a former Leeds United player, also revealed he was gay upon retiring in 2013. He then returned to the game with LA Galaxy and won the MLS Cup. He became the first openly homosexual male athlete to win an American professional sports title.
Cavallo stated that he was concerned about coming out and said that he also knew of other gay footballers who lived in silence.
He said, "I want this to change." "I want everyone to feel welcome in football.
It is shocking to learn that there are no gay professional footballers, not just in Australia but all over the world. We hope this will change soon.
Since Wednesday's upload to the club's official twitter page, the Adelaide midfielder has received a huge response. Many have praised the youngster for his courage.
Coach Carl Veart and Nathan Kosima, chief executive, expressed pride at Cavallo's announcement. Ross Aloisi, assistant coach, said that Cavallo was clearly living with an "incredible weight" and that to see him emerge made him feel "proud of his courage".
