Former Socceroos captain Paul Wade reveals probable CTE brain disease diagnosis
Former Socceroos captain Paul Wade has publicly revealed a diagnosis of probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). He hopes his disclosure will raise awareness about the long-term risks of head injuries in sports.
Why it matters
This highlights the growing medical concern regarding neurodegenerative diseases in retired professional athletes.
Paul Wade says hearing the diagnosis was "difficult". ( ABC News: Ross McLoughlin )
Former captain of the Socceroos, Paul Wade, has revealed a diagnosis of probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy, otherwise known as CTE.
Wade says the neurodegenerative brain disease linked to repeated impacts to the head, which can only be confirmed after death, was first suspected in 2024.
The 64-year-old hopes sharing his experience will raise awareness about concussion and brain health.
Link copied Share Share article Former Socceroos captain Paul Wade has revealed he has been diagnosed with "probable" chronic traumatic encephalopathy, which has been linked to repeated head knocks and injuries.
In a statement put out by Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) on Wednesday, Wade said he was diagnosed in late 2024 with a suspected case of the disease after experiencing neurological symptoms.
He said this was upgraded after further assessments to probable in 2025.
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