Sol Campbell: The First Gay International Footballer

At a brasserie in Chelsea, Campbell and a representative from Puma are having lunch. The two have met before and are discussing a potential boot deal. Puma has a history of representing the world’s greatest footballers, such as Pele, Maradona and Cruyff.

Campbell is keen on the idea of working with Puma. The food arrives quickly. They chat about the latest results, nothing in particular, when the Puma representative asks a question.

“Are you gay?”

For a split-second there is a pause. Campbell is briefly surprised, maybe even a little shocked by the question.

“No,” he replies, cool, unflustered, honest.

The representative tucks into his food. “Ah, that’s a pity. We were hoping you were.”

“What?”

“Yup. We were keen to represent the first gay international footballer. We could sell many more boots. It would be a worldwide story.”

Sunday Times.