Ex-Socceroos captain Paul Wade says he has probable CTE, urges no heading for junior players‎

Former Australia soccer captain Paul Wade says he has been diagnosed with probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and has renewed his calls for all players under the age of 12 to be banned from heading the ball. Wade, who played 84 internationals for Australia, on Wednesday said he realizes his memory is fading and he is experiencing mood swings due to repeated head injuries he experienced during his soccer career. While it can only be definitively diagnosed by an autopsy after death, Wade received a diagnosis of suspected CTE in late 2024 following the presentation of neurological symptoms.