Former Hull City and Middlesbrough forward, Dean Windass, has announced that he has been diagnosed with stage two dementia. The 55-year-old, who enjoyed a prolific football career spanning nearly two decades, revealed the news on Friday, sharing the emotional update with fans and the public.
Windass, who made over 700 appearances for 12 different clubs between 1990 and 2009, is best remembered for his time at Hull City, where he became a club legend. During his career, he netted more than 230 goals, earning a reputation as a clinical forward with an eye for the spectacular. He was particularly noted for his role in Hull City’s promotion to the Premier League in 2008, scoring key goals that helped the club secure a place in the top tier of English football.
Despite his achievements on the pitch, Windass’s announcement has highlighted the growing concern over the impact of head injuries in football. The diagnosis of dementia, particularly among former footballers, has become an increasingly prominent issue in recent years, with studies linking the repeated heading of the ball to the development of neurodegenerative conditions. Windass’s case adds to a troubling trend, with several other former professional players revealing similar diagnoses, sparking debates on the safety of heading and the long-term consequences of playing the game.
In his statement, Windass expressed gratitude for the support of his family, friends, and the football community, while also emphasizing the importance of raising awareness about the condition. “It’s a difficult thing to talk about, but I want to be open about it,” Windass said. “If my diagnosis can help bring attention to the issue and contribute to making the game safer for future generations, then it will have been worth it.”
The news has been met with an outpouring of support from fans, former teammates, and the wider football community. Hull City, in particular, expressed their solidarity with their former striker, describing Windass as one of the club’s greatest-ever players.
Windass’s diagnosis has reignited calls for better protection for players, particularly with regards to head injuries. Many advocates are urging for changes to the way heading is taught to young players, as well as for more research into the long-term effects of head trauma in football.
As Windass faces the challenges of dementia, his legacy in the sport remains strong, and his courage in sharing his diagnosis is helping to bring much-needed attention to an issue that continues to affect former players.
