Former Premier League star and Hull City legend Dean Windass, 55, is diagnosed with dementia
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Former professional footballer Dean Windass has been diagnosed with stage two dementia, a condition that causes mild cognitive decline and memory lapses. The news was first shared by former Manchester United defender David May on BBC Breakfast, where he spoke openly about the growing concerns around dementia in football.
May later clarified on X (formerly Twitter) that Windass had personally given him permission to discuss the diagnosis publicly, hoping to raise awareness about the condition. Shortly after, Windass himself posted a video on social media of him singing in his car, accompanied by the caption: 'Just got to keep smiling and trying to help people.'.
Stage two dementia is characterised by subtle but noticeable memory lapses, such as forgetting familiar names or phrases and misplacing everyday items like glasses or keys. While these symptoms can often be mistaken for normal aging, they mark the early signs of cognitive decline.
Windass, a prolific striker during his playing days, is best remembered for his remarkable volley in Hull City's 2008 Championship play-off final against Bristol City, a goal that secured the club's historic promotion to the Premier League. Over a career spanning more than two decades, Windass also played for Aberdeen, Bradford City, and Middlesbrough, amassing over 200 goals in more than 600 appearances.
Former professional footballer Dean Windass has been diagnosed with stage two dementia. In light of his diagnosis, Windass has joined a growing number of former footballers calling for greater awareness and support regarding the link between professional football and neurodegenerative diseases.
