Anton Hysen is not your typical professional soccer player. In a sport dominated by traditional gender roles and heteronormative culture, Hysen broke barriers by coming out as gay in 2011. Despite facing discrimination and backlash, Hysen continued to play at the highest level and has become a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ acceptance in sports. Learn more about Hysen’s inspiring journey and impact on the soccer world in this article.
Early Life and Soccer Career
| Full Name | Anton Hysen |
| Date of Birth | December 13, 1990 |
| Country of Birth | Sweden |
| Club | FC Rosengård |
| Height (ft) | 6’0″ |
| Weight (lbs) | 174 |
| Age | 33 |
Anton Hysen’s passion for soccer started at a young age. Growing up in a family of athletes, it was no surprise that he would follow in their footsteps. His father, Glenn Hysen, was a professional soccer player and a former captain of the Swedish national team.
Anton’s journey in soccer began with local youth clubs. He quickly stood out as a talented player and eventually joined the youth academy of Utsiktens BK, a lower-division club in Sweden. It was here that Hysen honed his skills and developed his signature playing style.
After several years in the academy, Hysen made his professional debut for Utsiktens BK at the age of 18. He quickly made an impact, scoring several goals and catching the attention of bigger clubs. In 2009, Hysen signed with FC Rosengård, a first-division club in Sweden.
During his time with FC Rosengård, Hysen solidified his place as one of the top defenders in the league. He was named the team’s best defender for three consecutive years and helped lead the team to the league title in 2010.
Hysen’s exceptional performance did not go unnoticed, and he was also named the “Gay Sports Personality of the Year” by QX magazine in 2011. This was a significant achievement for Hysen, who had recently come out as gay, making him the first openly gay male professional soccer player in Sweden.
Hysen’s early career was marked by success and determination. He proved that hard work and talent can take you far, regardless of who you are or who you love.
Anton Hysen’s coming out as a gay
Anton Hysen’s decision to come out as gay in the professional soccer world was a brave and groundbreaking move. However, it was not without its challenges.
One of the biggest obstacles Hysen faced was the fear of discrimination and rejection from his teammates and fans. The soccer world is notoriously conservative, and Hysen was unsure of how people would react to his announcement.
Despite these fears, Hysen went public with his sexuality in an interview with Offside magazine in 2011. The response was mixed, with some people applauding his courage and others condemning him for being “too outspoken” about his personal life.
Teammates and coaches also had mixed reactions. While some were supportive, others were less accepting, creating a tense and uncomfortable atmosphere in the locker room.
However, Hysen’s coming out also had a significant impact on the soccer world and the LGBTQ+ community. It sparked important conversations about the need for greater acceptance and inclusivity in sports.
Hysen’s story also inspired other LGBTQ+ athletes to come out and be true to themselves. He became a role model for many, proving that being openly gay and successful in sports is possible.
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Life of Anton Hysen after coming out
After coming out, Anton Hysen’s soccer career continued to flourish. He played for several professional clubs, including Trelleborgs FF and BK Häcken. Hysen also had the honor of representing his country as a member of the Swedish national team.
During this time, Hysen continued to be an advocate for LGBTQ+ acceptance in sports. He used his platform to speak out against discrimination and to promote greater inclusivity for all athletes. Hysen also became involved in various LGBTQ+ organizations and spoke at conferences and events around the world.
Hysen’s work did not go unnoticed, and he was awarded the “Activist of the Year” award by the Swedish federation for LGBTQ rights in 2012. He also received the “Sport & Diversity” award from the Swedish Sports Confederation in 2015 for his advocacy work.
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Who is Anton Hysen partner?
As of 2023, Anton Hysen isn’t dating with anyone. He only had 1 relationship before.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Anton Hysen’s story is one of perseverance, bravery, and impact. From his early days in soccer to his decision to come out as gay, Hysen faced numerous challenges but ultimately emerged as a role model for LGBTQ+ athletes everywhere.
Throughout his career, Hysen achieved notable accomplishments and awards, including his time with FC Rosengård and the Swedish national team. However, his most significant impact has been his work to promote LGBTQ+ acceptance in sports.
Hysen’s coming out sparked both positive and negative reactions from fans, teammates, and the media. Nevertheless, his advocacy and speaking engagements have helped to create a more inclusive and accepting environment for LGBTQ players in the soccer world and beyond.
