Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterThomas Hitzlsperger does not want to lose sight of the progress that has been made in battling homophobia in football over the past few decades - but believes there is only so much the game can do while wider societal issues persist.The former Aston Villa, Stuttgart and Germany midfielder came out as gay in 2014, just a few months after announcing his retirement from the game.But Hitzlsperger says that far from it just being an issue within the game, ongoing hateful attitudes in some quarters will be on the minds of many footballers when deciding whether or not to make a similar announcement."In terms of homophobia, society is the biggest challenge. The world has become a tougher place and, in relation to discrimination, its quite sad. Racism, like homophobia, is also a big issue in society and of course football."Sometimes people will ask 'Why cant we just watch football?' I get that, but we have a responsibility to speak out on societal issues, because the game is so influential. You may like Hitzlsperger on why WWII stereotypes stood out more than homophobia at Aston Villa Football wasnt ready for Andy Burnhams bid to lift alcohol ban Mike Dean and his 'secret games' have made Premier League referees' jobs even harder "In terms of tackling homophobia, there have been great initiatives clubs and federations have all participated."Unfortunately, in this debate people often say theres no development, because hardly any [men's] player has come out. Id disagree in the sense that the game has got involved in initiatives, such as rainbow armbands. During a week midway through the 2024-25 Premier League season, 19 of 20 captains wore them, which was the vast majority.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over."Theres sometimes this media obsession on focusing on a couple who step out of line and cause friction, but Id argue weve come a long way by seeing so many high-profile Premier League players wearing the armbands."Thats massive and we should really talk about that and the progress weve made, rather than always getting obsessed with the few who disagree with diversity and live a different life to what is mainstream."Id like us to focus on telling more positive stories, rather than focusing on the negative ones. I know a lot of people who take the issue of homophobia in football very seriously and theyre constantly trying to make football a more inclusive environment. What to read next 'The surgeon told me I wouldn't play again. That was the first time I attempted my own life' Clarke Carlisle on the injury that almost cost him his life 25 years ago Why are there so few world-class left-wingers? Michael Olise's nonchalant interview schtick is rude, tiresome and boring - sort it out "However, we also have to admit that the game is purely about money. There have been a number of initiatives that had been built up over the years that have since been reduced - and equality, diversity and inclusion isnt so popular any more because various people think its become too much."Ive met so many people within football who are still passionate about being in an inclusive environment, which is great, but that isnt in the news every day."The primary reason were there is to play football and enjoy the game, but alongside it there are so many opportunities to really engage with people from all backgrounds and assure them that football is there for them, too."However, the reality is that there are very few openly gay male footballers. Its rooted in toxic masculinity, but life is toxic and thats the sad thing."We talk about players not wanting to come out during their playing days because the environment might be toxic but after their playing career has finished, some players dont come out either, because theyre scared of society."TOPICSThomas HitzlspergerAston VillaWest Ham UnitedEvertonPremier LeagueSteven ChickenSocial Links NavigationSteven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication,WeAreTerriers.com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023.
