Swedish footballer Anton Hysén has been voted gay hero of the year in a Gaydar Radio poll.

The only out footballer, Anton Hysén, was voted hero and sports personality of the year in Gaydar Radio’s 2012 Heroes and Heroines Awards.

The 21-year-old son of former Liverpool defender Glenn Hysén came out last year, becoming the first openly gay footballer since Justin Fashanu, who killed himself in 1998. Anton told Gaydar Radio, “It was a little bit of pressure [coming out] ‘cause you could see that there would be consequences. But, honestly, I just wanted to do it and show everybody it’s OK.”

Last year’s heroine, Adele, won half of the 4000 votes cast for pop artist of the year, beating Lady Gaga and Madonna. Gaydar Radio presenter Robin Crowley said, “Adele has had a fantastic year with numerous Grammys and Brit Awards, but we know that this is the accolade she has been waiting for.”

Welsh rugby player and Celebrity Big Brother contestant Gareth Thomas was voted celebrity of the year.

Over 41000 votes were cast in the final stages of Gaydar Radio’s second annual awards.

The full list of winners:

Hero of the Year: Anton Hysén

Campaigner of the Year: Peter Tatchell

LGBT Organisation of the Year: Gaydar

Celebrity of the Year: Gareth Thomas

Pop Artist of the Year: Adele

Actor of the Year: Meryl Streep

Sports Personality of the Year: Anton Hysén

Writer of the Year: Stephen Fry

Historic Hero of the Year: Oscar Wilde

Fictional Character of the Year: Sherlock Holmes