Minnesota United midfielder Collin Martin became the only active openly gay man in American sports on Friday, coming out publicly with a message on Twitter and a very cool photo ahead of his team’s Pride Night game.




From the note:

“I have been out as a gay man for many years to my family and friends, and this includes my teammates. I have played Major League Soccer for 6 seasons: 4 seasons with DC United and 2 seasons with Minnesota United. Today, I’m proud that my entire team and the management of Minnesota United know that I am gay. I have received only kindness and acceptance from everyone in Major League Soccer and that has made the decision to come out publicly that much easier.”


Martin, who’s 23 years old, has been with Minnesota since January 2017, and he’s worked his way into an occasional starting role in recent weeks. After Robbie Rogers, who retired last year, he’s the second-ever out active player in MLS history. With queer acceptance in soccer (and all sports) still a major issue around the world, Martin is now the highest-profile active gay male soccer player not just in America, but anywhere.