Football pioneer Cavallo leaves ALM for new opportunity
Cavallo, who in 2021 became the world's first openly gay professional male footballer, leaves the Reds after struggling for game time.
The 25-year-old did not feature this season and was unused on the bench eight times under then-coach Carl Veart, playing his last Reds game in February 2024 against Sydney FC.
Cavallo played just four games in the 2023/24 campaign, having suffered a hamstring strain after recovering from an Achilles tendon rupture.
He played 49 games across all competitions after arriving at Adelaide in 2021 from Western United.
"Adelaide United gave me the platform to grow as a footballer, but more importantly, it gave me a place to grow as a person," Cavallo said in a club statement.
"I'll always be grateful to this club for embracing me and allowing me to live authentically. The support from my teammates, coaches, staff, and the incredible Reds fans has meant the world to me.
"Adelaide will always feel like home, and I leave with immense pride in what we've achieved together - both on and off the field."
South Australian left-back Jordan Elsey will depart Adelaide after the club opted against renewing his contract.
Elsey played in four games this season in what was his second stint at his boyhood club.
Making his professional career debut at Adelaide in 2013 after going up the junior ranks at the club, the 31-year-old was a central figure in their 2015/16 premiership and championship-winning side.
He was also part of the Australia Cup-winning teams in 2018 and 2019, before leaving for Newcastle in 2021.
Elsey returned to the Reds at the start of this season after brief spells at Perth Glory and Indian Super League team East Bengal.
"This club means everything to me - it's where I grew up, made my debut, and shared unforgettable moments like winning the championship with my hometown team," Elsey said in a statement.
"Leaving is incredibly tough because of my love for Adelaide United, but as they say that's football."
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