Former Socceroos Captain Reveals CTE Diagnosis, Calls for Ban on Headers in Youth Soccer
WHO:
ABC News - Paul Wade, former Socceroos captain, played 84 internationals for Australia.
ABC News - Dr. Rowena Mobbs, Wade’s neurologist and a leading concussion and CTE expert in Australia.
ABC News - Beau Busch, chief executive of Professional Footballers Australia (PFA).
WHAT:
ABC News - Paul Wade has been diagnosed with probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
ABC News - Wade urges a ban on heading the ball for all players under the age of 12.
ABC News - Wade's diagnosis of suspected CTE was made in late 2024, followed by a diagnosis of probable CTE late last year.
ABC News - Wade experiences memory loss and mood swings due to repeated head injuries.
ABC News - Dr. Mobbs recommends a reduction in heading at the junior level, specifically removing all heading under 12.
ABC News - Wade's story is featured in a new mini documentary produced by PFA.
WHERE:
ABC News - Perth, Australia.
WHY:
ABC News - Wade emphasizes the need for better understanding of long-term effects of repeated head impacts to protect future generations.
ABC News - Awareness of CTE and concussion has increased due to lawsuits in contact sports like the NFL and rugby.
HOW:
ABC News - Wade's CTE diagnosis was made following neurological assessments and specialist evaluations.
(UPDATED July 22, 2026 10:44 UTC)
Paul Wade, the former captain of the Socceroos, has been diagnosed with probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, following neurological assessments and specialist evaluations. Wade, who played 84 internationals for Australia, is now advocating for a ban on heading the ball for all players under the age of 12, emphasizing the need for a better understanding of the long-term effects of repeated head impacts. His story is highlighted in a new mini documentary produced by Professional Footballers Australia, featuring insights from his neurologist, Dr. Rowena Mobbs, who supports reducing heading at the junior level.