**News Flash: Newcastle United Goalkeeper Mark Gillespie Confirms He Is Bisexual**
**Newcastle upon Tyne – September 1, 2025**
In a heartfelt and candid interview released earlier today, Newcastle United goalkeeper Mark Gillespie has confirmed that he identifies as bisexual, becoming one of the few professional male footballers to openly speak about their sexuality while still active in the game.
The 33-year-old shot-stopper, who has been with his boyhood club since 2020 and previously spent time at clubs including Carlisle United, Motherwell, and Walsall, spoke exclusively to *BBC Sport* in a personal segment titled *“Beyond the Gloves”*, which aired early Monday morning.
### “It’s Just Who I Am”
Gillespie, who has largely played a backup role to Newcastle’s first-choice keepers over the years, told interviewer Dan Walker:
> “This isn’t about making headlines or being a role model—although if it helps even one person feel less alone, then that’s a bonus. This is just about being honest. I’m bisexual. It’s always been part of who I am, even if I wasn’t always ready to say it.”
He went on to describe the emotional journey of coming to terms with his identity in a sport that, for decades, has struggled with inclusivity regarding LGBTQ+ representation, especially among male players.
> “Football culture has changed a lot since I started as a teenager, but it’s still not easy. There’s fear—fear of being judged, fear of changing how teammates see you, fear of being reduced to a headline instead of being seen as a footballer first. But I’ve been lucky to have good people around me who value me for who I am, not just who I date.”
### Support From Club and Teammates
Newcastle United issued a statement shortly after the interview aired, expressing full support for Gillespie.
> “Mark has been a valued member of our club both on and off the pitch. We stand with him and applaud his courage. Newcastle United believes in inclusivity, respect, and equality in all forms. We are proud of Mark for living his truth.”
Club captain Jamaal Lascelles took to social media to show his support, writing on X (formerly Twitter):
> “Proud of you, mate. Takes guts to be open like that. You’ve got the full dressing room behind you. Always.”
Manager Eddie Howe also commented during his morning press conference:
> “Mark’s a brilliant professional and a fantastic person. This changes nothing about who he is to us. If anything, I hope it shows how strong he is. Hopefully this helps others in the game to feel safe to be themselves.”
### A Growing Movement?
Gillespie joins a small but growing number of professional footballers who have come out publicly while still active in their careers. His announcement follows that of Jake Daniels, the Blackpool forward who came out as gay in 2022, and Josh Cavallo of Adelaide United in Australia.
For many LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, Gillespie’s announcement is another significant milestone.
Stonewall UK tweeted:
> “Visibility matters. Thank you, Mark Gillespie, for your bravery and honesty. Every story like yours brings us closer to a more inclusive and understanding sporting world.”
The Premier League also issued a brief statement:
> “We support Mark Gillespie and all players in being their authentic selves. Football is for everyone.”
### Personal Reflections
In the interview, Gillespie reflected on how his personal experiences shaped his decision to speak publicly now, after years of quiet introspection.
> “In my twenties, I kept telling myself that being bi wasn’t something I needed to share. I wasn’t hiding it out of shame—I just didn’t think people would understand. But over time, I realized that the silence was its own kind of burden.”
He added that the turning point came after seeing the positive reactions to other players coming out.
> “I saw how much love people gave to Jake Daniels and Josh Cavallo. And I thought, why not me? Why not now? I’ve got nothing to be ashamed of.”
While Gillespie acknowledged that he still expects criticism from some corners of social media, he said he feels prepared for it.
> “I’ve had to grow thick skin in football anyway—fans will boo, critics will tweet. But the support I’ve already had from the people who matter to me… that’s enough.”
### The Road Ahead
Gillespie has not indicated any plans to retire and reaffirmed his commitment to contributing to Newcastle United both on and off the pitch.
> “I’m not hanging up my gloves any time soon. I love this club, this city, and this sport. I just want to play, keep training hard, and be a good teammate. That hasn’t changed.”
He also hinted at potential advocacy work in the future.
> “If I can use this platform to help kids in academies who are questioning themselves, or just let them know they don’t have to hide—then I’ll do whatever I can. But I’m still just me. Still Mark.”
### Reactions Across Football
The footballing world has largely rallied behind Gillespie. England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford called the move “inspiring,” while Newcastle legend Alan Shearer praised Gillespie’s “strength and honesty.”
Fans gathered outside St James’ Park on Monday afternoon to show support, many holding banners with messages like “Football for All” and “Proud of Mark.”
On social media, #ProudOfMark trended across the UK, with thousands of fans sharing stories, messages of support, and reflections on the evolving culture of the sport.
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### Closing Thoughts
Mark Gillespie’s announcement is more than just a personal revelation—it’s another step forward in a sport long dominated by traditional expectations of masculinity and silence around sexuality. While change is slow, voices like his help reshape football into a game that truly welcomes everyone.
In a world where visibility still carries risks, his honesty resonates beyond the pitch.
For now, Gillespie returns to training at Benton, preparing for Newcastle’s upcoming fixture. He does so not just as a goalkeeper, but now also as a quiet symbol of progress—proof that courage often speaks loudest when it’s simply the truth, finally said aloud.
