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Paul Wade, former Socceroos captain, has revealed he has been diagnosed with probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
CTE cannot be properly diagnosed until a post-mortem, with no actual test for the brain issue, but doctors can give a probable diagnosis while a patient is still alive.
Throughout his long football career, Wade did not suffer any notable concussions, but doctors say the disease can be caused by frequent impacts to the head over a long period of time, such as heading a football repeatedly.
The 64-year-old, who made 84 appearances in the green ad gold released a statement through the Professional Footballers Australia.
'Football gave me so much. It gave me a life, a career, incredible experiences and the privilege of representing Australia,' he said.
'But I also must be honest about the challenges I now face and the uncertainty that comes with living with a neurodegenerative condition.
'Receiving a diagnosis of probable CTE has been difficult. But I have decided to speak publicly because I know there may be other players and families facing similar questions.
'If sharing my experience can help someone seek support, create better education and prevention, or help the game take brain health more seriously, then it is worth doing.
'I do not want to discourage anyone from playing football, as I think there are so many positive health benefits. But we do need to understand more about the long-term effects of repeated head impacts and make sure that players, families and the game have the information and support they need to protect future generations.'
Wade played a total of 345 games in Australia's National Soccer League and captained the national side 46 times between 1990 and 1996.
The imposing midfielder was known for his aerial ability, heading the ball so often throughout games.
His neurologist Dr Rowena Mobbs is calling on headers to be banned in junior football in Australia, an initiative already implemented in England for players under 12 years of age.
The English FA has also put limits in place for headers during training sessions.
'Ultimately, it's about being positive and progressive in football. As a neurologist, I call for a reduction in heading for players, including removing all heading under 12,' she said via the PFA.
'We want kids entering the great sport of football today to be their brain best both on the field and throughout life. You only get one brain.'
Wade said 'reality kicked in' after Dr Mobbs informed the former Socceroo that he will eventually die of CTE, if not beforehand from something else.
'When the neurologist said, 'It's terminal. Go and make some memories,' that's when reality kicks in,' Wade told The Sydney Morning Herald.
'All my mates have been going, 'Yeah, but we're all terminal, Wadey.' But I'll never forget those words when she said them, that it's terminal.
'I'm gonna die of this. I might not die for 20 years, I might get hit by a bus, but there is no cure. And that was the moment I thought, people have got to understand … you don't have to have a concussion to have CTE.'
Craig Foster, who played for Australia alongside the stricken Wade, took to social media to pay tribute to his former teammate.
'Very sad news for one of not only Australian football’s legends, but one of the truly great gentlemen of our game. And for many @socceroos our teammate.
Wadey’s diagnosis will certainly resonate through the game, with the player’s association already planning further research into head impact.
'We need to understand the exact risks across all ball and impact sports to ensure that future generations are protected, and completely safe.
'Typical of Paul, still showing leadership, as he always did. Wanting to ensure that the game he loves, and that loves him, is completely safe.
'He has the love of the Australian football community, and enhanced protection and policies where needed, will be part of his already very extensive legacy.'
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