Ex-Premier League footballer found dead in pool of his home in Greece aged 31

10 October 2024, 01:06

Ex-Premier League footballer George Baldock has died aged 31.

The former Sheffield United defender was found dead in a swimming pool at his home in Greece.

He was discovered after his wife in England raised concerns, according to local media.

A family statement read: "We can confirm that George has sadly passed away. As a family we are in shock at this terrible loss. We ask please that the media respect our privacy at this time."

Baldock signed for Panathinaikos this summer after a seven-year spell at Bramall Lane, making his debut in August.

The full-back, who was not named in the Greece squad to face England on Thursday, featured in Sunday's 0-0 draw with Olympiacos.

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The Blades paid tribute to their "extremely popular" former player saying: "Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock.

"The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extremely popular with supporters, staff and team-mates who pulled on a red and white shirt alongside him.

"The sincere condolences of everyone associated with Sheffield United are extended to George's family and friends."

A statement from the Greece national team read: "With profound sadness and sorrow, the National Team and the Greek Football Federation bid farewell to George Baldock.

"There are no words to describe the human pain caused by the news of the unexpected loss of one of our own, young, man. The moment forces silence. Condolences to his family. Condolences from his second family."

"We are shocked by the loss of our George. The family of Panathinaikos mourns his untimely death. We stand with the family and loved ones of George Baldock," a Panathinaikos statement added.

A Super League Greece statement read: "The entire Super League football family expresses its deep sorrow for the untimely loss of Panathinaikos and our national team footballer, George Baldock, and extends its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones."

England international and former Sheffield United player Harry Maguire posted "RIP" and a heartbreak emoji alongside an image of Baldock on Instagram.

Northampton, where Baldock had a loan spell in 2011, wrote on X: "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former loanee George Baldock at the tragically young age of 31.

"George made five appearances in 2011 before playing for Oxford United and Sheffield United. Sending our sincerest condolences to George's family and friends."

An England statement added: "We're extremely saddened by the passing of George Baldock.

"George was close to many of our players, and represented Greece - our opponents on Thursday night. We're thinking of George's family, friends and team-mates at club and country at this difficult time."

Buckinghamshire-born Baldock started his career at MK Dons and went on to play more than 100 times for the club.

A lengthy spell at MK Dons included numerous loan spells away, with two stints at Oxford before he signed for Sheffield United in 2017.

Baldock was a key figure as Chris Wilder's team secured promotion to the Premier League where they initially took the top-flight by storm before they suffered relegation in 2021.

He helped the Blades secure automatic promotion back to the summit of English football and his form earned him international recognition in 2022.