'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 want to highlight the remarkable journey of Safia Middleton-Patel. She has become a beacon of hope for neurodiverse young people everywhere.

Safia, the Manchester United Women's goalkeeper and Wales international, is a pioneering voice in football's conversation about neurodiversity. She speaks candidly about her autism diagnosis and the challenges she faces as an elite athlete. Recently, she was named in Wales' squad for UEFA Women’s Euro 2025. This achievement makes her not just a trailblazer for neurodiversity awareness but also a testament to what young people can achieve when given the right support.

Overcoming Challenges

The 20-year-old revealed her autism spectrum disorder diagnosis on Instagram in September 2023. However, her journey to that point included many challenges. In various interviews, Safia spoke about the realities of being a neurodiverse athlete in a highly competitive sport.

"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 a celebratory moment in her career. In the same week that 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 underline the difficulties faced by neurodiverse athletes. She shared feelings of being "dropped and singled out" by former clubs. One coach even accused her of "faking autism." At another club, she sensed she was released because it was easier than trying to understand her needs.

"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," she explained.

The Unique Challenges of Professional Sports

Football's demanding environment presents unique challenges for autistic athletes. Constant changes, such as loan spells and new clubs, can be particularly tough for those who rely on routine.

"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 just cry because I hated how I felt."

Fortunately, at Manchester United, Safia has found a supportive environment. She credits goalkeeper coach Ian Willcock with embracing her "with open arms." Her teammates, including best friend Jess Simpson and Leah Galton, have also been remarkably supportive. Galton even read books about autism to understand Safia better.

Building a Supportive Community

Safia has also found comfort in what she calls the "Lego Club" with Simpson, Galton, and Rachel Williams. This group provides her with a sense of belonging.

Building Lego has become one of her coping mechanisms, offering 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 crucial time. The Professional Footballers' Association has launched a research project on neurodiversity, recognizing the struggles many players face with undiagnosed conditions. Research shows that issues with attention, focus, and social interactions are common among professional footballers.

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

A Message of Hope

Her selection for Wales' Euro 2025 squad represents a monumental achievement. In June 2024, she was named in Wales' squad for UEFA Women’s Euro 2025. This made her one of the first openly autistic players to represent Wales at a major tournament.

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

"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."

The Role of Eye to Eye Counselling Service

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 that with understanding and the right environment, young people can achieve their dreams regardless of their neurodiversity.

The Importance of Support Systems

For young Welsh children who may face their own neurodivergent challenges, Safia's journey shows that being different doesn't mean being less capable. With a supportive system—understanding teammates, compassionate coaches, and professional counselling services—young people can thrive.

We know well that many young people face challenges to their mental health and wellbeing. For those who are neurodiverse, these challenges can feel isolating. Safia’s courage in sharing her story helps break down stigma and proves that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

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

As football evolves in its understanding of mental health and neurodiversity, Safia's bravery in sharing her journey offers hope to others facing similar challenges. She demonstrates that with compassion, understanding, and the right support, being different doesn’t mean being incapable. It means bringing something unique to the world.