Coady was one of 10 nominated for the award, alongside the like of Jurgen Klopp, Jordan Henderson and Jamie Vardy, as the impact of allyship towards the LGBT+ community within football was recognised.
The British LGBT Awards is celebrating its seventh year and recognises people and organisations from across the UK and worldwide who have gone above and beyond in advancing rights for LGBT+ people this year.
For 2021, organisers introduced a one-off Football Ally Award, highlighting high profile personalities in football who’ve helped make the men’s game more inclusive.
It was the Wolves skipper who took the honour for his part in a Rainbow Laces virtual event, courtesy of the FA, in conversation with Stonewall FC captain Jay Lemonius and Sky Sports' Mark McAdam, where he said he hopes any fellow professional who may be struggling with their sexuality would feel comfortable talking to him.
After picking up the award from event host Gok Wan and Sky Sports’ Mark McAdam, Coady said: “I am very honoured to accept the Football Ally Award, and very flattered to have been selected amongst such a high profile and exceptional list of nominees.
“Despite being humbled to receive this award, I have to say that the support I have given to the LGBT+ community is not anything over and above what any ally should give and is only what I think anyone in my position should be able to offer.
“As I’ve said before, and I will say again, I am always there for any footballer who wants the support of a senior professional, and an ally, if they want to take the next step on their personal journey to come out as LGBT+.
“I want to reiterate that every single person, no matter their gender or sexuality, deserves to be themselves no matter what path in life they choose to take.
“I hope we can soon get to a day when a football player feels supported enough to be their true selves on the football field, but until that day, we all have some work to do.”
