Who was Stephen Laybutt Partner? Was Stephen Laybutt Gay?
by Jayasree D
Updated Jan 17, 2024
Who was Stephen Laybutt Partner?
Stephen Laybutt's partner was Michael Lutteral. Laybutt, a former Socceroo star, met Lutteral in 2010. The couple formed a relationship after Laybutt's retirement from football in 2008. Laybutt publicly came out as gay after ending his sports career. His journey towards self-acceptance included overcoming the challenges associated with hiding his true self during his football career.
Laybutt's support for fellow athletes who came out, such as A-League star Josh Cavallo in October 2021, reflected his commitment to fostering inclusivity and reducing stigma in the sports community. Laybutt's contributions both on and off the field, emphasize his impact on others through selfless acts like the kidney donation to Ian Pavey.
Was Stephen Laybutt Gay?
Yes, Stephen Laybutt was gay. The former Socceroo star publicly revealed his sexuality after retiring from football in 2008. Laybutt, who played 15 matches for the national team from 2000 to 2004, expressed the challenges he faced in hiding his true self during his football career. He emphasized the impact of concealing his identity on his mental well-being and self-discovery.
Laybutt later found comfort in his own skin, openly discussing his sexuality and sharing his experiences. He became a source of support for other athletes, reaching out to A-League star Josh Cavallo after Cavallo came out in October 2021. Laybutt's journey highlighted the importance of acceptance and authenticity in the sports community.
Who was Stephen Laybutt?
Stephen Laybutt, was an Australian professional soccer player who played as a defender. Hailing from Lithgow, New South Wales, Laybutt began his youth football career at the Australian Institute of Sport and later embarked on a senior career that spanned various clubs in Australia and overseas. Notable teams include Wollongong Wolves, Brisbane Strikers, Feyenoord, and Newcastle Jets.
Laybutt earned 15 caps with the Australian national team and represented Australia in the 2000 Olympics. In 2021, he came out as gay and, after retiring from soccer, worked in the rehab unit at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney. Tragically, Laybutt was reported missing on January 13, 2024, and later found deceased near Cabarita Beach, with his death determined to be a suicide.
Full Name
Stephen John Laybutt
Date of Birth
September 3, 1977
Place of Birth
Lithgow, NSW, Australia
Date of Death
January 13, 2024
Place of Death
Cabarita Beach, NSW, Australia
Height
1.89 m (6 ft 2 in)
Position(s)
Centre back
Stephen Laybutt Age
Stephen Laybutt was born on September 3, 1977. As of his date of death on January 13, 2024, he was aged 46. Laybutt's life journey, documented, reveals a career in professional soccer, spanning various clubs both in Australia and internationally.
Starting with his youth career at AIS and progressing through senior roles with teams like Wollongong Wolves, Brisbane Strikers, Feyenoord, and Newcastle Jets, Laybutt contributed significantly to the sport, his positions and goal-scoring records throughout his senior career. Unfortunately, Laybutt's life came to a tragic end at the age of 46, with his passing occurring in Cabarita Beach, New South Wales.
Stephen Laybutt's Early Life
Stephen Laybutt was born in Lithgow, New South Wales, Australia. In his early life, Laybutt showed an early interest in soccer, leading him to join the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) for his youth career from 1994 to 1995.
This period marked the beginning of his formal soccer training and development. As he progressed through his youth career, Laybutt honed his skills, laying the foundation for his future professional career, his athletic beginnings at AIS, setting the stage for his later achievements in the world of professional soccer.
Stephen Laybutt Career
Stephen Laybutt had a notable career as an Australian professional soccer player, primarily playing as a centre back. Starting with his youth career at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), Laybutt transitioned to the senior level, making significant contributions to various teams. He played for clubs such as Wollongong Wolves, Brisbane Strikers, Feyenoord, and Newcastle Jets.
Laybutt's career extended internationally with stints in Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium. He earned 15 caps with the Australian national team and participated in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. Laybutt faced challenges, including an achilles tendon rupture in 2008. Post-retirement, he came out as gay and worked in the rehab unit at St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney. Tragically, Laybutt's life ended in 2024.
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Who Was Stephen Laybutt Partner-FAQs
Stephen Laybutt's partner was Michael Lutteral. They formed a relationship in 2010 after Laybutt's retirement from professional soccer.
Yes, Stephen Laybutt was gay. He publicly revealed his sexuality after retiring from soccer in 2008, becoming an advocate for authenticity in sports.
Stephen Laybutt had a distinguished soccer career, playing as a defender for various clubs in Australia and internationally, including Wollongong Wolves, Brisbane Strikers, Feyenoord, and Newcastle Jets.
Stephen Laybutt, born on September 3, 1977, in Lithgow, NSW, Australia, tragically passed away on January 13, 2024, in Cabarita Beach. He stood 1.89 m tall and played as a centre back.
Stephen Laybutt was aged 46 at the time of his death on January 13, 2024. His life included a significant contribution to professional soccer and advocacy for inclusivity in the sports community.