Former Premier League star Dean Windass diagnosed with dementia aged 55

His diagnosis was revealed on BBC Breakfast by David May

Ex-Manchester United defender David May revealed the former Hull City, Bradford City and Middlesborough star's condition during an interview with BBC Breakfast.

He said: "I only spoke to Dean Windass yesterday, ex-professional footballer.

"I asked Deano how he is. He's been diagnosed with Stage 2 dementia. He's the same age as me and he's worried sick of how it's going to be in the future for him."

May later clarified on social media platform X that he had been given permission by Windass to share his condition.

He wrote: "FYI I spoke to @DWindass10 last night and asked his permission. He was 100 per cent behind me mentioning that he had been diagnosed with stage 2 dementia. Deano has just done an article for a national newspaper which will be published soon.. Share the love."

Windass retweeted the message as well as another message which read: "I'm so sorry to hear that Deano. My mum had Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. Keep doing what you're doing mate, stay active body and mind my friend and of course you've got the Yorkshire grit, fighting spirit and great support."

The 55-year-old also posted a video from his car singing along to Rhinestone Cowboy by Glen Campbell, along with the caption: "Just got to keep smiling and trying to help people."

In 2008, Windass famously scored the playoff final goal at Wembley that secured his boyhood club, Hull, promotion to the Premier League.

May was appearing on the Breakfast show to discuss the rising number of cases of dementia in retired footballers, which new research has linked to heading balls.

He said: "Over my career, I probably headed the football about 20,000 times in total. It's only coming to light now. I'd like to know where I'll be in ten years' time, will I have the care from the governing bodies, PFA, for funding that these families are not currently getting?

"It's worrying. I'm worried, of course I am. I've got a family to look after and I don't want my children looking after me day in day out. Care does cost a lot of money."

He concluded by saying: "One in three [footballers have the] possibility of getting dementia. The message needs to get out there."

Caroline Scates, Deputy Director of Admiral Nurse Development at Dementia UK said: “We’re sorry to hear that Dean Windass has been diagnosed with dementia. By choosing to speak openly and publicly about his diagnosis, he will undoubtedly encourage others to seek support if they are concerned about symptoms they may be experiencing. 

“There are estimated to be around 70,800 people living with young onset dementia in the UK – where symptoms occur before the age of 65. Obtaining a diagnosis of young onset dementia can be challenging, and it is often even harder to find age-appropriate support. But it is important to know that you are not alone and that expert care is available. 

“We encourage anyone affected by young onset dementia to visit dementiauk.org/get-support for information resources and to find out how to access our national Helpline and Clinics services.”