Brazilian FIFA-Ranked Soccer Ref Comes Out

Igor Benevenuto, a Brazilian FIFA-ranked soccer referee, has come out as gay, and says that although he took to the soccer world to "hide" his sexuality, now he wants others to see him as an inspiration, according to The Associated Press.

"Benevenuto, 41, announced during a Globoesporte podcast that he is gay and expressed his joy that he is finally ready to be himself," ESPN detailed.

"The 41-year-old Igor Benevenuto is one of the country's main video assistant referees," the AP article noted, "and he also takes charge of some matches in Brazil's top two divisions."

Speaking to TV GLOBO on July 10 after coming out, Benevenuto described how the macho world of soccer was ideal when it came to concealing the truth about himself.

"Soccer was for men and since an early age I knew I was gay," Benevenuto said. "There was not a more perfect place to hide my sexuality."

Benevenuto coming out follows the announcement by Richarlyson, a Brazilian former pro soccer player, now a sports analyst, who came out as bisexual.

"So many people say it is important that I stand up, so I decided to say it today," Richarlyson said on a June 24 podcast that was broadcast by Globo Esporte. "I am bisexual."

Last October, Australian soccer star Josh Cavallo came out as gay, the only active pro soccer player in the world to be out until English player Jake Daniels also came out in May.

Benevenuto was upfront about the fact that he's not alone in being gay and seeking refuge in the sports world.

"There are many gay people in soccer," the referee said. But he went on to say, "We exist and we deserve to speak about it, live normal lives."

Benevenuto isn't alone in his sentiments. The global soccer organization FIFA said in a statement that it "welcomes and supports referee Igor Benevenuto and his decision to come out."

"We hope this decision will encourage others and inspire greater diversity and inclusion in the 'beautiful game,'" FIFA went on to add.

FIFA stated that it "strongly believes that football is for everyone. And Igor striving to be true to himself is an important moment for football in Brazil and in other countries around the world."

"Benevenuto lives in the city of Sete Lagoas in Minas Gerais state," the news report detailed. "He returned to his work as a nurse at a public hospital in the city when soccer came to a halt during the COVID-19 pandemic."

"Brazilian referees are paid by the match and most are semi-professional," the report added.