When a gay referee decides to propose in front of thousands of fans, you know it’s going to be unforgettable—and Pascal Kaiser delivered exactly that. The German soccer official dropped to one knee at FC Köln’s RheinEnergieStadion in Cologne, presenting his engagement rings to his boyfriend, Moritz, as the stadium erupted in cheers. The kiss that followed wasn’t just romantic—it was a loud, proud statement that queer love belongs everywhere, even on the pitch.
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Club Support & Public Celebration
The proposal wasn’t just a personal milestone—it became a moment for the entire football community. FC Köln celebrated the referee’s engagement on Instagram, highlighting both his identity and his fandom:
“Pascal Kaiser is a referee and a huge FC fan. Pascal is queer and came out three years ago. Today, he had a special plan, which FC Cologne supported. Pascal proposed to his long-term partner at the RheinEnergieStadion… Congratulations, you two!”
The post quickly became one of the club’s most-liked uploads, racking up over 23,000 likes and counting. Fans from around the world chimed in with congratulations, proving that a stadium full of cheering spectators is the perfect backdrop for a queer love story.
A Bold Statement of Love
Kaiser’s proposal was more than a romantic gesture—it was visibility in action. With fans, cameras, and teammates watching, the referee declared:
“I want everyone to see that I love this person. A man. As a man. In football.”
The statement was simple, powerful, and profoundly human. A tray of beer in the foreground gave it that perfectly German (and soccer) touch, but the message was universal: love, proudly expressed, belongs everywhere—even on a soccer field traditionally dominated by heteronormative norms.
Who Pascal Kaiser Is
Pascal Kaiser identifies as bisexual and publicly came out in 2021. He is one of the few openly LGBTQ referees in Germany, a fact that makes his visibility particularly meaningful. A lifelong FC Köln supporter, he even has the club crest tattooed on his arm—a permanent love letter to the team he adores.
For Kaiser, being openly queer is more than a personal choice—it’s a statement of solidarity. His career and identity send a clear message: LGBTQ people belong in sports, on every pitch, and in every locker room.
Source: @fckoelnWhy Visibility Matters
Speaking to LGBTQ outlet Schwulissimo, Kaiser explained why he chooses to be publicly out:
“I see this as my mission: to create visibility. To be a voice. And to encourage people who aren’t yet brave enough to speak up.”
He added:
“I know how lonely it can be to think you’re the only one. I want no one to have to feel that way again.”
By proposing on the field, Kaiser not only celebrated his love for Moritz but also made a statement for anyone struggling to see themselves reflected in sports.
Source: @pascalkaiser98Why the Proposal Resonated
The moment went viral because it combined romance, visibility, and institutional support. FC Köln embraced the moment, the crowd cheered, and social media lit up with love and pride. In a world where queer representation in football is still rare, the gay referee’s proposal felt radical, joyful, and deeply affirming.
Final Thoughts: Love Wins, Loud and Proud
Pascal Kaiser didn’t just officiate a soccer match that day—he made history. His proposal reminds us all that love deserves to be celebrated, seen, and cheered for, in stadiums and beyond. Rings, cheers, and cameras aside, the best part? Love won.
And honestly, if this doesn’t make you feel a little braver about expressing your own truth, what will?
REFERENCE: Schwulissimo