Headers caused Nobby Stiles' brain disease, coroner finds
A coroner has ruled that former England footballer Nobby Stiles died from a brain condition caused by repeatedly heading a football during his career. The inquest highlighted that Stiles suffered from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and Alzheimer's, prompting calls for better protection for players.
Why it matters
This ruling adds significant weight to the ongoing debate regarding long-term brain health risks in professional football and the responsibility of sports authorities.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Norbert "Nobby" Stiles headed the ball thousands of times a year in training, his son says
England World Cup winner Nobby Stiles died with a brain condition caused by repeatedly heading a football, a coroner has ruled at his inquest.
The former Manchester United midfielder died with severe dementia in 2020 aged 78 and had headed a football about 140,000 times during his career, Stockport Coroners' Court heard.
Neuropathology expert Dr Daniel Du Plessis told the court: "I'm quite convinced his heading the football that many times has caused his CTE [chronic traumatic encephalopathy]."
Senior Coroner Alison Mulch recorded the cause of death to be Alzheimer's disease, contributed to by "high stage" CTE, along with another neurodegenerative condition and cerebrovascular disease.
Image source, PA Media Image caption, Nobby Stiles (right) was part of England's 1966 World Cup winning team
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