<\/p>\n
Former Socceroos skipper Paul Wade has revealed he\u2019s suffering from \u201cprobable\u201d chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a disease associated with repeated head \u201cimpacts\u201d, including heading a ball.<\/p>\n
Wade, 64, announced on Wednesday via a statement from Professional Footballers Australia, that he received a suspected CTE diagnosis in late 2024 before last year being told by a neurologist that he had \u201cprobable\u201d CTE.<\/p>\n
\u201cFootball gave me so much,\u201d said Wade, who made 84 appearances for the Socceroos and captained the national team from 1990 to 1996.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cReceiving 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. <\/p>\n
\u201cIf 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n PFA chief executive Beau Busch praised Wade – who played 345 games in the old National Soccer League for Croydon, Green Gully, Brunswick and South Melbourne \u2013 for revealing his probable CTE diagnosis saying it was an \u201cimportant act of leadership\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cPaul is one of the game\u2019s most courageous players and people,\u201d Busch said. <\/p>\n \u201cIn sharing his story Paul has once again illustrated his truly remarkable commitment to the advancement of the game. <\/p>\n \u201cHe is doing so not only for himself, but for the players and families who are facing, or may one day face, similar questions about brain health.<\/p>\n \u201cAustralian football must proactively pursue being Australia\u2019s safest sport. That means tackling the issue of brain injury, through better policies, research, education and support for former players.<\/p>\n \u201cThe 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.\u201d <\/p>\n Wade\u2019s neurologist and leading concussion and CTE expert, Rowena Mobbs, recommended a reduction in heading the ball at the junior level.<\/p>\n \u201cPaul is a champion both on and off the field for talking openly about CTE,\u201d Dr Mobbs said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe want former players to get help as early as possible so they can live well and tackle the effect of CTE on thinking,\u202femotion\u202fand behaviour.<\/p>\n \u201cThe government have acted on CTE, and help is available for former players as well as their families and loved ones via\u202fConneCTErs\u202fAustralia or Dementia Australia.<\/p>\n \u201cUltimately, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n