Channel 4 to release documentary on gay Premier League players

By Neil Wilkes, Editor-in-chief | 20 January 2022

Channel 4 is to release a one-off documentary about the likely challenges facing the first Premier League player to come out as gay.

Channel 4 is to release a one-off documentary exploring what challenges may face the first Premier League player to come out as gay.

Despite the likelihood of scores of Premier League players being gay or bisexual, no-one has yet to come out while still active in the English top flight.

The C4 documentary, Football's Coming Out, will look ahead to how fans, fellow players, the press and social media might react when a Premier League footballer takes the brave step of coming out.

The programme features contributions from Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford, experienced manager Ian Holloway and former footballer Joleon Lescott, among others.

Thomas Pullen, digital commissioner at C4, said: "This important and compelling documentary has been over a year in the making and it's great that we are finally able to bring it to our audiences on All 4 and Channel 4's YouTube channel.

"In the doc, we have spoken to a series of incredibly bold figures from the football industry who have all been open and willing to contribute to this much needed and crucial conversation on LGBTQ+ representation in the one of the most popular sports in the world.

"I sincerely hope that this documentary can be a springboard for more conversation around a subject that is still deemed taboo by many and by watching this documentary, LGBTQ+ players current and future can feel encouraged to be their most authentic selves in the sport they love."

Football's Coming Out is released on All 4 next Tuesday, January 25.

Watch a trailer below: