'I love my fans, but also dread meeting them' - life as an autistic elite footballer

Wales Goalkeeper Safia Middleton-Patel breaks barriers by openly discussing her autism diagnosis ~ Manchester United Official Website Interview (December 23, 2024):

A message from Eye to Eye Counselling Service

As a charity dedicated to supporting young people across Wales with their mental health and wellbeing, we wanted to share the remarkable journey of Safia Middleton-Patel, who has become a beacon of hope for neurodiverse

young people everywhere.

Safia, Manchester United Women's goalkeeper and Wales international, has emerged as a pioneering voice in football's conversation about neurodiversity, speaking candidly about her autism diagnosis and the challenges she faces as an elite athlete. Most significantly, she has been named in Wales' squad for UEFA Women's Euro 2025, making her not just a trailblazer for neurodiversity awareness but also a testament to what young people can achieve when given the right support and understanding.

The 20-year-old made her autism spectrum disorder diagnosis public in September 2023 via Instagram, but her journey to that point had been fraught with difficulties. Speaking to various media outlets, Safia revealed the harsh reality of being a neurodiverse athlete in professional football.

"I want to be that role model because unfortunately there is a negative stigma around ASD and autism," she told Manchester United's club media. "There is nothing different about it, we just see life a little bit differently."

Her path to diagnosis came during what should have been a celebratory period in her career. In the same week she made her Championship debut with Coventry United and her senior Wales debut, Safia experienced a breakdown that led her to seek help.

"For many people, that would have been the best week of their life, but for me, it was the worst," she recalled. "I couldn't deal with the emotions of the week. I had a massive breakdown, and I remember sitting on the end of my bed saying to my mum, 'I need help. I don't think I can do this much longer.'"

Safia's experiences highlight the challenges faced by neurodiverse athletes in professional sport. She described feeling "dropped and singled out" by former clubs, with one coach even accusing her of "faking autism." At another club, she felt she had been released because it was easier than trying to understand how she works.

"It just made me question everything, every conversation I've ever had with them and what I did wrong for being me, as if I didn't feel like an outsider enough," Safia explained.

Football's demanding environment presents unique challenges for autistic athletes. The constant changes inherent in a footballer's career - from loan spells to new clubs - can be particularly difficult for those who rely on routine and structure.

"It's something that horrifies me, I am so scared of change," she admitted. "Going to Watford last year I was settled in perfectly with the club, but I would go home, and I would just cry and cry and cry because I hated how I felt."

However, at Manchester United, Safia has found a supportive environment. She credits goalkeeper coach Ian Willcock with embracing her "with open arms" and making her feel valued as an individual. Her teammates, including best friend Jess Simpson and Leah Galton, have also shown remarkable support, with Galton even reading books about autism to better understand her colleague.

Safia has also found solace in what she calls the "Lego Club" with Simpson, Galton, and Rachel Williams - a group that has her back "no matter what." Building Lego has become one of her coping mechanisms, providing the structure and routine she needs.

"One day, it can feel like everything's crashing down on you, and the next day, I'm loving life because I've just found a Lego figure in a cupboard that I didn't know I had," she laughs.

Safia's openness about her autism comes at a time when the Professional Footballers' Association has launched a neurodiversity research project, recognising that many players may be struggling with undiagnosed conditions. The research suggests that difficulties with attention, focus, and social interactions are common among professional footballers.

"It's a very taboo subject, and there needs to be more visibility. I just never want anyone to feel as alone in the world," says Safia. "It's a subject that clubs shy away from because they don't know how to deal with it."

Her selection for Wales' Euro 2025 squad represents a monumental achievement that sends a powerful message to neurodiverse young people across Wales and beyond. In June 2024, she was named in Wales' squad for UEFA Women's Euro 2025, making her one of the first openly autistic players to represent Wales at a major international tournament.

Now serving as backup goalkeeper to Phallon Tullis-Joyce, Safia made her debut with United recently and continues to represent Wales at the international level. Her story represents a significant step forward in breaking down barriers and stigma surrounding neurodiversity in professional sport.

"I just want to show people they can do whatever they want, you've just got to put your head to it," she concluded. "My life is a lot more positive now."

At Eye to Eye Counselling Service, we have supported children and young people across Rhondda Cynon Taf and the Cwm Taf Morgannwg region for over 30 years. We provide free, confidential counselling to young people aged 10-30, understanding that every young person's journey is unique.

Safia's story is particularly significant for the neurodiverse young people we support. Her inclusion in Wales' Euro 2025 squad demonstrates something incredible - that with understanding, compassion, and the right environment, young people can achieve their dreams regardless of their neurodiversity.

For young Welsh children who may be struggling with their own neurodivergent challenges, Safia's journey from feeling like an outsider to representing her country at the highest level shows that being different doesn't mean being less capable. It shows that with the right support system - whether that's understanding teammates, compassionate coaches, or professional counselling services - young people can thrive.

We know only too well that many young people face challenges with their mental health and wellbeing, and for those who are neurodiverse, these challenges can feel even more isolating. Safia's courage in sharing her story helps break down the stigma and shows that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Her message that "there is nothing different about it, we just see life a little bit differently" resonates deeply with our mission. Every young person deserves to feel valued, understood, and supported in achieving their goals.

As football continues to evolve in its understanding of mental health and neurodiversity, Safia's courage in sharing her story provides hope for other young people who may be struggling with similar challenges. She proves that with compassion, understanding, and the right support, being different doesn't mean being less capable - it means bringing something unique and valuable to the world.