Paul Wade, the iconic former captain of the Socceroos, has bravely announced his diagnosis with probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a debilitating brain disease linked to repeated concussions.
In a revealing statement released by Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), Wade detailed his medical journey. The sporting hero, who led Australia’s national team from 1990 to 1996, including during the Olympics and two intense World Cup qualifying events, was diagnosed with probable CTE by a neurologist in late 2025. This came after he experienced neurological issues starting in late 2024.
Notably, Wade’s revelation marks a first in Australian football, as he is the initial player known to have publicly disclosed such a diagnosis.
CTE is known as a slow-progressing, degenerative brain disorder caused by repetitive head injuries. Initially, it was most commonly associated with boxers, but concerns have since spread to football. This issue gained attention when Jeff Astle, a former England striker, was confirmed as the first British footballer to have succumbed to the disease. Recent studies have further solidified the connection between consistently heading the ball and a heightened risk of developing neurodegenerative conditions.
Though definitive CTE diagnoses are usually confirmed posthumously, medical professionals can identify suspected or probable cases through examining an individual’s history of repeated concussions coupled with symptoms like cognitive decline.
Wade says he is sharing his diagnosis to raise awareness of concussion, repeated head impacts and brain health across all levels of football.
“Football gave me so much. It gave me a life, a career, incredible experiences and the privilege of representing Australia. But I also must be honest about the challenges I now face and the uncertainty that comes with living with a neurodegenerative condition,” he says.
Receiving a diagnosis of probable CTE has been difficult. But I have decided to speak publicly because I know there may be other players and families facing similar questions.
“If sharing my experience can help someone seek support, create better education and prevention, or help the game take brain health more seriously, then it is worth doing.
“I do not want to discourage anyone from playing football, as I think there are so many positive health benefits. But we do need to understand more about the long-term effects of repeated head impacts and make sure that players, families and the game have the information and support they need to protect future generations.”
As SBS News has previously reported, football associations in the United Kingdom and United States have introduced laws banning heading for young players, and have also limited the practice among older cohorts due to concerns about the cumulative impacts of heading the ball.
Football Australia, which is responsible for regulating football in the country, has not introduced any similar recommendations.
A spokesperson for Football Australia said it had established an expert project team, which includes chief medical officer Mark Jones and joint head of research and development, professor Rob Duffield, alongside a dedicated concussion research officer, to look at strategies to reduce the incidence, magnitude and burden of heading in youth football, commencing with a comprehensive literature review.
It comes as calls grow for heading to be restricted at younger ages.
The Concussion Legacy Foundation Australia believes children under 14 years old should not be heading the ball at all, and that these skills can be learned later.
Wade’s neurologist, Rowena Mobbs, has recommended a reduction in heading at the junior level, and the removal of all heading for under 12s.
“We want kids entering the great sport of football today to be their brain best both on the field and throughout life. You only get one brain,” Mobbs says.
“Ultimately, it’s about being positive and progressive in football. As a neurologist, I call for a reduction in heading for players, including removing all heading under 12.”
Mobbs commended Wade for talking openly about CTE.
“We want former players to get help as early as possible so they can live well and tackle the effect of CTE on thinking, emotion and behaviour.”
She noted help is available for former players as well as their families and loved ones via ConneCTErs Australia or Dementia Australia.
PFA chief executive Beau Busch said Wade’s decision to share his experience was an important act of leadership.
“Australian football must proactively pursue being Australia’s safest sport. That means proactively tackling the issue of brain injury, through better policies, research, education and support for former players.”
In its statement, the PFA noted it is preparing a comprehensive response to “the growing understanding of and research into concussion and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in football players”.
“The PFA will continue to develop and pursue practical, evidence-based solutions that better protect players while ensuring the game continues to grow and thrive in Australia,” Busch said.