澳大利亚前国家队队长保罗·韦德宣布被诊断为可能的慢性创伤性脑病（CTE）[1]。韦德表示，这一诊断是在2024年末初步确认后，经过进一步神经学评估得出的结论 [1]。
韦德指出自己的身体状况恶化与职业生涯中的多次头部撞击密切相关 [1]。他透露道："我知道我的记忆在消退。很多人告诉我我变得有点脾气暴躁" [1]。韦德在职业生涯中代表澳大利亚进行了84场国际比赛 [1]。
基于自身经历，韦德强烈呼吁采取措施保护年轻球员的脑部健康。神经科医生罗薇娜·莫布斯建议"减少球员的头球，包括完全移除12岁以下的头球" [1]。职业足球运动员协会首席执行官博·布什表示，"澳大利亚足球必须积极追求成为澳大利亚最安全的运动" [1]。
韦德的诊断反映了接触类运动中脑伤问题的广泛存在。新西兰职业橄榄球运动员去年因疑似自杀身亡，尸检显示其患有晚期CTE；澳大利亚橄榄球传奇人物沃利·刘易斯也被诊断为可能性CTE [1]。韦德强调需要更多关于重复头部撞击长期影响的研究和支持 [1]。
Former Australian national soccer team captain Paul Wade has announced a diagnosis of probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), attributing cognitive and emotional symptoms to repeated head impacts during his professional career [1]. Wade was initially assessed for suspected CTE in late 2024, with a diagnosis of probable CTE confirmed following further neurological evaluation [1].
Wade described experiencing memory decline and mood changes, stating: "I know my memory is fading. Many people have told me I've become a bit short-tempered" [1]. During his career, Wade earned 84 international caps for Australia [1].
Citing the dangers of repetitive head trauma in soccer, Wade is urging protective measures for young players. Neurologist Rowena Mobbs has recommended "reducing heading among players, including completely removing heading for children under 12" [1]. Wade's call aligns with growing concerns about long-term neurological damage from heading in soccer.
The Professional Footballers' Association of Australia supports these safety efforts, with Chief Executive Beau Busch stating that "Australian football must actively pursue becoming Australia's safest sport" [1].
Wade's diagnosis joins a concerning pattern of CTE diagnoses among athletes in collision sports. A New Zealand professional rugby player died last year in circumstances suggesting suicide, with an autopsy revealing late-stage CTE; similarly, Australian rugby legend Wally Lewis has been diagnosed with probable CTE [1].