Former 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 disclosed that a neurologist made the diagnosis in late 2025 after he experienced symptoms for over a year.

Wade, who played 84 internationals and captained the Socceroos from 1990 to 1996, becomes one of the nation's highest-profile football figures to address CTE publicly. The issue of brain injuries related to heading has gained prominence, with former players launching class-action lawsuits against governing bodies. There is mounting pressure on administrators to tighten concussion protocols and limit heading in junior soccer.

Doctors can only confirm a CTE diagnosis posthumously, yet common symptoms such as aggression and dementia may surface during a patient's lifetime. "Receiving a diagnosis of probable CTE has been difficult," Wade stated on Wednesday. "But I have decided to speak publicly because I know there may be other players and families facing similar questions."

He emphasized the need for awareness, saying, "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."

In response to these concerns, England's Football Association has been actively addressing dementia and health risks linked to heading, implementing rules to phase out deliberate heading in youth-level matches by 2024. Wade's neurologist, Rowena Hobbs, advocated for reducing heading in soccer, including a ban for players under 12.

Professional Footballers Australia has also taken steps to enhance safety, commissioning a neurophysiologist to develop guidelines on heading, concussion protocols, and player education. Chief Executive Beau Busch stated, "Australian football must proactively pursue being Australia's safest sport. That means tackling the issue of brain injury through better policies."

Reuters has reached out to Football Australia for a comment.