Heading footballs 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 ruling highlights the link between chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and professional football.
Why it matters
This legal finding puts increased pressure on football governing bodies to address player safety and long-term health risks associated with repetitive head impacts.
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 and 1966 World Cup-winning midfielder died with severe dementia in 2020 aged 78 and had headed a football about 140,000 times in 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 as Alzheimer's disease, contributed to by 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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