Italian Diver Matteo Santoro Makes History with World Championship Gold

Italian diver Matteo Santoro, 18, secured a thrilling gold medal in the mixed 3-meter synchronized event at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships in Singapore, partnering with Chiara Pellacani in a dramatic final that showcased resilience, skill, and teamwork. The victory comes as a landmark achievement for both Santoro and the Italian national team, and holds special significance as Santoro stands among the few openly gay athletes at the elite level of international aquatics competition .

Santoro and Pellacani’s performance was a testament to perseverance. After trailing the leaders in the early rounds, the pair delivered a standout dive in the fourth round—scoring 75.33 on a forward 3½ somersault pike—to vault into first place. Their final dive further solidified their lead, with a score of 69.30, ensuring Italy’s place atop the podium .

Beyond his athletic triumph, Santoro’s openness about his sexuality and his relationship with Spanish diver Max Liñán has resonated across the LGBTQ+ community and the sports world. The couple’s relationship, made public in July 2024 through Liñán’s social media, has been widely celebrated, with many seeing Santoro’s visibility as emblematic of a broader shift toward acceptance and inclusion within competitive sports .

Santoro, who trains with M.R. Sport Fratelli Marconi in Rome, has been profiled by LGBTQ+ media for his openness and for serving as a role model to young LGBTQ+ athletes. During the World Championships, his boyfriend Liñán, also an elite diver, posted an emotional message of support, drawing attention to the power of visibility and affirmation for LGBTQ+ youth and athletes .

Santoro’s career has been marked by exceptional achievements from an early age. Born in Rome in 2006, he became a five-time World Junior Championships gold medalist and a four-time European Junior Championships gold medalist before turning 18. His ascent in the diving world has been characterized by technical excellence and composure under pressure, but his impact extends beyond medals.

By competing openly as a gay athlete at the highest level, Santoro challenges lingering stereotypes and provides a living example of authenticity and pride. LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations in Italy and abroad have praised his courage, noting that such visibility can help reduce stigma and inspire others to live openly .

Santoro’s gold medal and openness come at a time when LGBTQ+ representation in sports is gaining momentum globally. Recent years have seen a growing number of elite athletes across disciplines coming out, with supportive responses from fans, teammates, and national federations. While challenges remain, the celebration of Santoro’s victory—both for his athletic and personal achievements—signals progress toward greater inclusion in traditionally conservative sporting spaces .

For many LGBTQ+ sports fans and athletes, Santoro’s story is a reminder of the importance of visibility and the power of community. As he continues his athletic journey—with the possibility of future Olympic appearances—Santoro remains a beacon for those striving to reconcile sporting excellence with authentic self-expression.

As Italy celebrates a new world champion, the LGBTQ+ community celebrates a new role model. Matteo Santoro’s gold medal at the 2025 World Aquatics Championships is not just a win for his country, but a victory for visibility, acceptance, and the ongoing pursuit of equality in sports.