Former Socceroos captain Paul Wade first to disclose CTE

Former Socceroos captain Paul Wade has revealed he has been diagnosed with probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), becoming the first Australian footballer to publicly disclose such a diagnosis. The 64-year-old, who captained the national team between 1990 and 1996, received the diagnosis in late 2025 after presenting with neurological symptoms in late 2024.

CTE is a progressive, degenerative brain disease caused by repeated head trauma and can only be definitively confirmed after death. Wade said he is sharing his diagnosis to raise awareness about concussion, repeated head impacts, and brain health across all levels of football. In a statement, he acknowledged the sport gave him a life, a career, and the privilege of representing Australia, but he also must be honest about the challenges he now faces and the uncertainty of living with a neurodegenerative condition. He described experiencing memory loss and mood changes, noting the situation is scary for him.

Wade's neurologist, Dr. Rowena Mobbs, commended him for speaking openly and has recommended a reduction in heading at the junior level, including removing all heading for players under 12. She emphasized that...