Homosexuality in Football: It’s important that “Ted Lasso” finally takes up this topic after Mental Health

Warning: Minor SPOILERS to follow for the current third episode of “Ted Lasso“!

When I was invited to interview some of the people involved before the current third season of “Ted Lasso” aired, I had a fat question on my note. I wanted to talk to the creators and the stars about why the subject of ‘homosexuality in football’ has been left out so far, when this series is the ideal place to show what is being concealed in modern men’s football: that of course there are rows of kickers who are gay but keep it a secret for fear of hostilities.

It wasn’t until 2021 that Australian midfielder Josh Cavallo first came out as a pro who was still active. When the Czech national player Jakub Jankto went public in February 2023 at the age of 27, he also made it clear how much life had secretly weighed on him: “I don’t want to hide anymore!” said Janko and made it clear that I finally want to live a life of freedom.

However, a few hours before the scheduled interview date, I was sent the third episode of the third season for preview – and it begins with a glimpse into the private life of Colin Hughes (Billy Harris), who lives with his partner. But during the team night at the end of the episode, he passes him off as a sidekick, even as his wingman on conquests. Moments later, ex-journalist and now AFC Richmond observer Trent Crimm (James Lance) is seen kissing both – the cliffhanger that ends the episode.

The 3rd season “Ted Lasso”: Playing hide and seek of a gay football player as the core theme

This makes it clear that Colin’s hidden sexuality will be a big theme this season. I don’t know how it is performed. I don’t know how his teammates will react if he comes out himself or maybe gets knocked out against his will. I have no idea if the competition like Nate (Nick Mohammed) will use it for heinous attacks or if AFC Richmond fans will scapegoat Colin when the current streak of surprise hits inevitably comes to an end. I’ve only seen the three previous episodes.

But of course I threw the question I actually planned in the trash during the interviews and talked completely spoiler-free with those responsible about why it’s so important that “Ted Lasso” after the topic of “mental health”, which is also taboo in modern football, in the second season this topic is finally addressed.

As Coach Beard actor and fellow series creator Brendan Hunt told me: it has long been known that Colin is gay. There are already some hints and originally this should even be revealed in the second season: “But then we decided to wait another year. Because that shows even better how long Colin has had to hide who he really is.’ .

However, according to Hunt, the topic was not chosen to necessarily also tell “homosexuality in football”: “For us, it’s not so much about finding taboo subjects and then implementing them. We’re starting more organically. We try to make the characters as realistic as possible by imagining what they’re going through.” It follows the story and “if a problem arises, we won’t be afraid to talk about it.”

Hannah Waddingham, who plays team owner Rebecca, also told me that one of Ted Lasso’s strengths is that the show “encompasses every part of life there is.”

“Ted Lasso” can make an important contribution to breaking taboos

Nevertheless, it is of course a statement that ‘Ted Lasso’, with the public success behind it and accolades with Emmys and Golden Globes, addresses various subjects that are too little talked about. In my opinion, it contributes to the fact that at a certain point it may no longer be a special profession, but it is so naturally part of life that it is also naturally part of a football series.

Roy Kent actor Brett Goldstein also blows this horn in an interview with me: it needs to be discussed and thus “normalized”: “I think the more it gets talked about the better. I think the more topics like that are shown and shared too, the less it will be to hide something.

As Brendan Hunt points out, “Ted Lasso” can only make a small contribution. Ultimately, it is of course thanks to real football that homosexuality does not remain a taboo. It shouldn’t matter what sexuality your favorite player has (incidentally, the problem is much smaller in women’s football). But that is not the case at the moment, because – as the episode already hints in small details – a gay football player cannot just live his life, but only has the choice between a game of hide and seek and a game of courage. get out. Hunt also hopes this will change. He hopes that “with every new player coming out like recently in the Czech Republic, Australia or the US or of course a Mr. Hitzlsperger with you in Germany” this will be a little less taboo.

“Ted Lassoruns exclusively on AppleTV+. The third and probably final season is currently being broadcast there. There is a new episode every Wednesday. I have an unconditional recommendation. For me, “Ted Lasso” is the best series right now – not because it deals with such topics, but because it tells a series of captivating stories about diverse and interesting characters with a lot of heart and a lot of humor. After seeing “Ted Lasso” I always feel like a violin – even after sad episodes.