Minnesota United player Collin Martin has become the only publicly gay male athlete active in the United States five major professional leagues.
MLS midfielder Martin released a personal message on Twitter revealing he will share the news for the first time to the public during Minnesota United s Pride Night on Friday, although many of his team-mates were already aware of his sexuality.
I have been out as a gay man for many years to my family and friends, and this includes my team-mates, Martin wrote in a statement.
I have played Major League Soccer for six seasons: four seasons with DC United and two 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. As we celebrate Pride Night, I want to thank my team-mates for their unconditional support for who I am.
In light of my experience as a professional athlete, I want to take this moment to encourage others who play sports professionally or otherwise to have confidence that sport will welcome them wholeheartedly.
June is Pride month, and I am proud to be playing for Pride, and to be playing as an out gay man.
Tonight my team, , is having their Pride night. It s an important night for me — I ll be announcing that I am an openly gay player in Major League Soccer.
— Collin Martin (@martcw12)
Minnesota will wear rainbow numbers as they celebrate Pride Night in Friday s game against Dallas.
We admire Collin s courage, and are proud of him and of the support from the soccer community, MLS commissioner Don Garber said in a statement.
Former United States international Robbie Rogers came out in 2013, going on to play for LA Galaxy in MLS before retiring in 2017 due to injuries.
