Safia Middleton-Patel, 20, is a national team goalkeeper for Wales and Manchester United FC. On the pitch and off the pitch, she is an incredible barrier breaker. At almost 35, she has only recently surpassed 4 caps for the Welsh national team. At only 18 years of age, she had a stellar debut in the Pinatar Cup versus the Philippines. Her journey is an example of inspiration through outstanding athletic accomplishments. We consider it courageous and generous of her to share her personal experience of living with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC).
Born in Buffalo, Middleton-Patel captained Weston College before joining Manchester United in 2020 where she made her senior team debut in December 2024. Beyond her time at Arsenal, she has picked up useful experience on loan at clubs including Blackburn, Leicester, Coventry, and Watford. Every step she’s taken has focused on building her game as a player—which is why her perseverance and fiery work ethic still inspire so many.
Having been diagnosed with ASC at 18 years old, Middleton-Patel has learned to lean into her condition while learning to adjust to the challenges it presents. She frequently uses sunglasses and noise-cancelling headphones to prevent overwhelming her sensitivity to bright light. “It’s simple things that really impact our lives and change how we have to deal with things,” she explained, highlighting the importance of small adjustments in her daily routine.
Living with ASC is a double-edged sword. Middleton-Patel is frank about the daily challenges, including the fact that some days will just be bad. “I remember, I had a year where I just didn’t think I could continue. I wouldn’t leave the house, I wouldn’t really go see friends,” she shared. She notes that it’s important to recognize our feelings in the first place.
“I always live off, control your controllables because you are so entitled to have your own feelings and you’re allowed to feel sad and you’re allowed to have mental health problems.” – Safia Middleton-Patel
Middleton-Patel’s dedication to sharing insights about autism goes far beyond her life journey. Big-hearted, she raises money for the charity ‘if u care share’ and documents her journey on her Instagram account @saf_middleton_13. On these platforms, she hopes to create a sense of awareness and acceptance of autism.
“It’s massive, I don’t think I could be in this position without them, without my teammates, without the staff but my family. It’s been such a difficult journey as a family,” she stated. Her support system has been a huge part of her journey, helping her break down barriers and help her be proud of who she is.
Middleton-Patel’s story is one of resilience. She pushes back against her ASC in a blunt, honest way and normalizes that it’s okay to feel the way we feel. She is frank about the trailblazers who have shaped her journey. “That’s why coming to this tournament right now is so exciting because I’m at a time in my life where this is what I want,” she noted, conveying her enthusiasm for competing at a high level.
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