Former Socceroos captain Paul Wade has revealed he has been diagnosed with probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy, leading to renewed calls for all players under the age of 12 to be banned from heading the ball.
CTE is a progressive and neurodegenerative brain disease associated with repeated head impacts and concussions.
While it can only be definitively diagnosed after death, Wade received a diagnosis of suspected CTE in late 2024 following the presentation of neurological symptoms.
Then late last year following a subsequent neurological assessment and specialist evaluation, Wade was diagnosed with probable CTE.
Wade, capped 84 times for Australia, has been told by his neurologist he will likely die because of it.
He has bravely chosen to speak up and share his experience to raise awareness about 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," the 64-year-old said.
"But I also must be honest about the challenges I now face and the uncertainty that comes with living with a neurodegenerative condition.
"I know my memory's going. And I've been told by a number of people I've become a little bit short tempered, just snapped a bit.
"Mood swings were pointed out - 'Whoa, you've never done that before'.
"And you just think, 'Yeah there is something wrong here'. It's scary for me."
"I was blessed to have that photo... he was my idol"
— CommBank Socceroos (@Socceroos) October 31, 2021
It's hard to forget the feeling when Maradona and Argentina headed down under to play a @FIFAWorldCup Qualifier in Sydney.
28 years on, our skipper that day Paul Wade surprised a fan who had the chance to meet Diego himself. pic.twitter.com/QMnVc6LGmj
Wade doesn't want to discourage anyone from playing football, citing the many positive health benefits of the sport.
"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," Wade said.
Dr Rowena Mobbs, Wade's neurologist and one of Australia's leading concussion and CTE experts, has recommended a reduction in heading at the junior level.
"As a neurologist, I call for a reduction in heading for players, including removing all heading under 12," Mobbs said.
"You only get one brain."
Wade's story is explored in a new mini documentary produced by Professional Footballers Australia, in which he reflects on his distinguished football career while also confronting the fears and realities of living with a neurodegenerative condition linked to repeated head trauma.
During his domestic career, Wade played 345 games in the National Soccer League for Croydon, Green Gully, Brunswick and South Melbourne.
Wade made his international debut for Australia in 1986, captaining the Socceroos between 1990 and 1996.
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," Busch said through a PFA release.
"That means tackling the issue of brain injury, through better policies, research, education and support for former 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."
Rugby league legend Wally Lewis is another high-profile figure diagnosed with probable CTE.
Australian Rules legend Polly Farmer, who died in 2019 at the age of 84, was the first former AFL/VFL player to be diagnosed with definitive CTE.
Former St Kilda captain Danny Frawley and former Richmond player Shane Tuck were also diagnosed with CTE.
