Former Socceroos captain and Australian football icon Paul Wade OAM has publicly announced that he has been diagnosed with probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a neurodegenerative disease associated with repeated head impacts.
Wade received a diagnosis of suspected CTE in late 2024 following the presentation of neurological symptoms. Following a subsequent process of neurological assessment and specialist evaluation, he was diagnosed by a neurologist with probable CTE in late 2025.
Medical specialists can diagnose suspected or probable CTE in the living based on an individual’s background, history of repeated head knocks and symptoms of cognitive impairment.
The former Socceroo captain, who was capped 84 times, is sharing his experience to raise awareness of 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. But I also must be honest about the challenges I now face and the uncertainty that comes with living with a neurodegenerative condition.
“Receiving 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. If 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.
“I 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.”
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.
“Paul is a champion both on and off the field for talking openly about CTE. We want former players to get help as early as possible so they can live well and tackle the effect of CTE on thinking, emotion and behaviour.
“The government have acted on CTE, and help is available for former players as well as their families and loved ones via ConneCTErs Australia or Dementia Australia.
“Ultimately, it’s 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.
“We 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.”
ConneCTErs Australia is an organisation that supports awareness and understanding of CTE and concussion, offering resources and community engagement for prevention and support.
Wade’s story is explored in a new mini documentary produced by the PFA, in which he reflects on a distinguished football career while confronting the realities of living with a neurodegenerative condition linked to repeated head trauma.
During his career, Wade played 345 games in the National Soccer League for Croydon, Green Gully, Brunswick and South Melbourne.
He made his international debut for Australia in 1986, earned 84 senior caps and captained the Socceroos between 1990 and 1996, including at the Olympic Games and across two World Cup qualifying campaigns.
PFA Chief Executive Beau Busch said Wade’s decision to share his experience was an important act of leadership.
“Paul is one of the game’s most courageous players and people,” Busch said.
“In sharing his story Paul has once again illustrated his truly remarkable commitment to the advancement of the game. He 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.
“Australian football must proactively pursue being Australia’s safest sport. That means proactively 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.”
Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) is developing a comprehensive response to the growing understanding of and research into concussion and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in football players. To support this response, the PFA has commissioned a neurophysiologist to conduct research into the following areas:
- PFA heading guidelines
- PFA player education
- Guidelines for youth heading
- A review of current football concussion protocols
The PFA actively partners with and provides direct financial contributions to the Australian Sports Brain Bank through the PFA’s Community Impact Fund. This collaboration supports vital research into CTE and the impacts of repeated concussions and sub-concussive head trauma on footballers.
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