Warning as former footballer confirms probable CTE diagnosis

Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleFormer Socceroos captain Paul Wade has revealed a diagnosis of probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated head impacts. The 64-year-old, who played 84 internationals and captained the national team, received the diagnosis from a neurologist in late 2025 after experiencing symptoms for over a year. Wade is one of Australia's highest-profile football figures to speak publicly about CTE, highlighting growing concerns about brain injuries from heading in the sport. His neurologist, Rowena Hobbs, has called for a reduction in heading in football, including a ban for players under 12, to protect future generations. Australia's Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) is developing new guidelines on heading and concussion protocols, aiming to make Australian football the safest sport. In fullFormer Socceroos captain given probable CTE brain disease diagnosisMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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