Paul Wade says he has probable CTE, urges no heading for junior players
Former Australia soccer captain Paul Wade says he has been diagnosed with probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and has renewed his calls for all players under the age of 12 to be banned from heading the ball.
Wade, who played 84 internationals for Australia, on Wednesday said he realizes his memory is fading and he is experiencing mood swings due to repeated head injuries he experienced during his soccer career.
While it can only be definitively diagnosed by an autopsy 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. “Football gave me so much. It gave me a life, a career, incredible experiences and the privilege of representing Australia,” the 64-year-old Wade 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.”
Wade said he doesn’t want to discourage anyone from playing soccer. “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.
