Queens Go Gaga when Italian Soccer Superstar and Ally Ciro Immobile Visits 'Drag Race Italia'

"They're all just looking at you," said Italian social media influencer Jessica Melena, to her husband Ciro Immobile on the latest episode of "Drag Race Italia." She was referring to the 10 contestants who flirted with the international soccer star. There was little wonder as to why – the 33-year-old captain of Italy's national team has a David Beckham-ish look and vibe that easily made him the center of attention. (The show can be viewed with a subscription on World of Wonder Plus).

His appearance on the show also marked another instance of a sports superstar guest judging the competing queens. He follows in the steps of Gus Kenworthy, Adam Rippon and Josh Cavallo. The difference here is that Immobile is not gay, but an ally. And it comes at a time when Italy is in the midst of a fraught debate about LGBTQ+ rights. Same-sex marriage has yet to be legalized in the country.

"'What a handsome man! Having someone like you here is very important for us,' contestant Silvana della Magliani tells Immobile, when he and Melena visit the 'werk room' to meet the queens after their runway presentations," reported OutSports. "The whole drag family thanks you," says Melissa Bianchini. "Your support and your presence means a lot because our mission is to take the drag world further."

Just last week the contestants were invited to watch the Inter Milan's 2-2 draw with Bologna. "Paramount+ is Inter's shirt sponsor and the pictures of the queens in full drag, watching the game from pitchside, went viral on social media," wrote OutSports.

"The show's forays into football come at a time when LGBTQ rights in the country are at increased risk under the right-wing government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and her Brothers of Italy party," added Outsports.

Recently a law extending the surrogacy ban was sent to the Italian Senate for ratification and is expected to pass. It would criminalize those who go overseas to have children. In addition, city councils were directed to stop including same-sex couples on birth certificates. And, unlike every major Western European country, there is no equal marriage legislation (although civil unions have been permissible since 2016). Polling from the Pew Research Center says that 74% of Italian adults support same-sex marriage rights – an even higher percentage than the U.K., where equal marriage legislation was passed over a decade ago.

"Against this backdrop, Immobile's venture into the world of Drag Race takes on additional symbolism. Referring to the invite he and Melena received, he tells the queens: 'We're happy that you have chosen us to send out this message of freedom,'" wrote OutSports.

La Prada, another contestant, replied to Immobile: "It's a message that must also continue on the pitch and in the locker room."

To learn more about Immobile, check out these Instagram posts: