Headers caused Stiles' brain disease, coroner finds
England 1966 World Cup winner Nobby Stiles died with a condition caused by heading footballs, his inquest concludes.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"Heading the ball in training was absolutely massive."
— John Stiles , Activist
"I'm quite convinced his heading the football that many times has caused his CTE."
— Dr Daniel du Plessis , Academic
Key People
Senior coroner who recorded the cause of death.
Dr Daniel du Plessis is a neuropathology expert who examined Nobby Stiles' medical records.
John Stiles is the head of the Football Families for Justice group calling for better support for ex-footballers.
England World Cup winner and former Manchester United midfielder.
Tags
All Coverage
England 1966 World Cup winner Nobby Stiles died with a condition caused by heading footballs, his inquest concludes.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Coroner rules inquest needed into Nobby Stiles' death
An inquest into his death will be held after a corner finds injury consistent with repeated head traumas.
July 10, 2026 at 11:14 AMDallas Cowboys player who died by suicide diagnosed with brain disease
Marshawn Kneeland had early chronic traumatic encephalopathy, which is caused by head impacts and has been found in dozens of former NFL players.
July 7, 2026 at 11:32 PMFootballers more likely to suffer depression and anxiety - study
A new study finds evidence of reduced brain volume in former elite footballers, who also report difficulties with thinking skills and decision-making.
July 12, 2026 at 05:09 AMDutch referee dies weeks after being dropped from World Cup
Dutch football referee Rob Dieperink dies aged 38, weeks after he was dropped from officiating at the World Cup because of a police investigation in the UK.
July 13, 2026 at 07:25 PMSouth Africa World Cup midfielder Adams dies aged 25 - Reuters
South Africa World Cup midfielder Adams dies aged 25 Reuters
July 11, 2026 at 02:34 PMFormer soccer players show brain changes but no cognitive decline, researchers find - Reuters
Former soccer players show brain changes but no cognitive decline, researchers find Reuters
July 12, 2026 at 04:04 AM