Five closeted gay footballers are being counselled by a charity run by the late Justin Fashanu's niece Amal.
Justin committed suicide in 1998 at the age of 37, eight years after coming out as gay - and no pro footballer has since come out during their playing career.
According to The Sun, Amal's charity, The Justin Fashanu Foundation, is currently offering support to five gay footballers - two of whom play for Premier League sides and the other three for EFL clubs.
All five are said to be "recognisable names", while the two top-flight players are "living in torment" with their situation yet "have confided in some teammates".
Amal - a staunch advocate for gay rights - told the newspaper: "No-one wants to be the first. In their minds these guys are trapped, ashamed. They think society won't accept it so instead they live their lives in secret.
"It's sad that this has to happen. But they would be a trailblazer."
Earlier this year Justin was inducted into the National Football Museum's Hall of Fame.
Neil Wilkes
