Sheffield Utd manager Chris Wilder pays tribute to his former player George Baldock after his death aged 31

11 October 2024, 15:54 | Updated: 11 October 2024, 15:59

Tributes have poured in following the death of ex-Premier League footballer George Baldock aged 31
Tributes have poured in following the death of ex-Premier League footballer George Baldock aged 31. Picture: Alamy

By Will Conroy

Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder has expressed his shock and sadness at the death of his former player George Baldock who passed away at the age of 31.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Baldock, a former Sheffield United defender, was found dead in a swimming pool at his home in Athens, Greece, on Wednesday.

The star's body was discovered at the Glyfada residence after his fiancee, who is based in England, raised concerns, according to local media.

Baldock spent seven years with the Blades, the majority of them under the leadership of Wilder, who rejoined the club last December.

Speaking in a video on the club's social media, Wilder said: "I'm just stunned really.

"I'm quite matter of fact, I think we're getting to that age where we're going to more and more funerals. Obviously through your life you lose people that you love and you respect but this just feels completely different to everybody. Everybody's just absolutely stunned and numb really. It's just tragic."

Baldock spent seven years with the Blades, the majority of them under the leadership of Wilder
Baldock spent seven years with the Blades, the majority of them under the leadership of Wilder. Picture: Alamy

Baldock, known as Starman to fans, helped United to promotion to the Premier League in 2019 and was a key figure in their successful first season in the top flight.

"He wasn't one to grab the headlines," said Wilder.

"But George was a huge personality, a huge driver, a huge culture carrier. George epitomised everything on the pitch and off the pitch.

"He was a humble person. We had rows, we had bust-ups, but we were all driving it forward and after the same outcome in everything that we did.

Read more: Devastated fiancée of ex-Sheffield Utd star George Baldock pays tribute to her 'soulmate' after his death aged 31

Read more: George Baldock 'cause of death revealed' after former Sheffield United star found dead in swimming pool

"Just even thinking about it now, families have lost a son, players have lost a brother. Those boys that went to battle with George, and he stood up to every challenge.

"He was an absolute pleasure to manage. He gave his maximum in everything he did and that's what every Sheffield United fan wants."

Baldock spent seven years with the Blades, the majority of them under the leadership of Wilder
Baldock spent seven years with the Blades, the majority of them under the leadership of Wilder. Picture: Alamy

This comes after Baldock's fiancée Annabel Dignam, who also had a son with the former footballer, shared a tribute on social media.

"George, the love of my life, my soulmate," she said. "The perfect Dad to our beautiful boy. 

"You completed me. You were my world and I know we were yours.

"You are here with me in Brody's smile, giggle and infectious personality.

"My world will never be the same but I will find a way for Brody. I promise.

"I love you forever and always G. Your Neen. X"

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

Read more: George Baldock 'cause of death revealed' after former Sheffield United star found dead in swimming pool

Tributes have poured in from footballers around the world following the death of ex-Premier League footballer George Baldock aged 31.
Tributes have poured in from footballers around the world following the death of ex-Premier League footballer George Baldock aged 31. Picture: Instagram

Tributes also poured in from clubs and footballers alike following the news - including the official England account.

Baldock had been due to represent Greece during Thursday night's Nations League clash against England at Wembley.

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."

Former Sheffield United player and England international, Harry Maguire, was among the first to pay tribute to the star, posting “RIP” alongside a heartbreak emoji and a picture of the late footballer on Instagram.

Tributes pour in from footballers after former Sheffield Utd star George Baldock, 31, is found dead in pool in Greece
Tributes pour in from footballers after former Sheffield Utd star George Baldock, 31, is found dead in pool in Greece. Picture: Instagram

Baldock's former teammate, Dean Henderson, took to X to say “RIP Blades legend” beside a picture of the pair.

The star had recently made the move to Greek football club Panathinaikos, making his debut in August following a seven-year spell at Bramall Lane.

An investigation has now been launched by Greek police.

Read more: Jurgen Klopp makes surprise return to football as he signs long-term contract after leaving Liverpool

Read more: 'I would love to play one more game': Tom Lockyer calls on Brits to learn CPR as he looks back on cardiac arrest

In a statement, Sheffield United said: “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 teammates 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.”

The post has since been retweeted by the national side, with the official England account adding: "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."

Born in Buckingham, Baldock began his career at MK Dons, going on to make more than 100 appearances for the club.

He went on to sign for Sheffield United in 2017, before becoming a key figure as Chris Wilder’s team two years later, ultimately securing the club's promotion to the Premier League.

A Football Association statement following the tragic news read: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of George Baldock at the age of 31. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with George’s family, friends and teammates at club and country.”

The star, who has Greek ancestry in his family, made the move after then-Greece head coach, Gus Poyet, convinced the star to play for the national side.

Baldock went on to earn 12 caps for the side, making his last national appearance earlier this year.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Virginia McCullough has been jailed for life for the murder of both her parents

Bodies of couple murdered by daughter and hidden in house for four years only discovered after GP raised concerns

Running late, checking time on watch and feeling stressed, anxious and in hurry to get to work. Rushing entrepreneur in city, town or downtown missing

Lateness isn’t just inconvenient - it’s unacceptable

Virginia McCullough will serve life with a minimum of 36 years

'Cheer up, you caught the bad guy': Moment callous daughter confesses to murdering parents as she is jailed for life

Virginia McCullough has been jailed for life for the murder of both her parents

Daughter who murdered parents and lived with bodies for four years jailed for life - with minimum of 36 years

The Government has opened 60 investigations into suspected breaches since December 2022

More than 50 UK-linked firms investigated for suspected breaches of Russian oil sanctions

Jack Watkin, 25, claimed on social media in 2016 to own a £1.7 million fleet of expensive cars

Police hunt for self-proclaimed ‘rich kid of Instagram’ after breach of bail for fraud charge

BBC presenter Jay Blades arriving at Worcester Crown Court

Jay Blades pleads not guilty to engaging in controlling or coercive behaviour towards estranged wife

Aerial view of Sunbury Lock on the River Thames

Boat carrying six people capsizes on River Thames, five have been rescued with one still missing

c

Woman who murdered parents hid mother’s body in wardrobe and father’s in ‘makeshift tomb’ for four years

Big chill: Snow forecast across parts of the UK as Met Office warns temperatures could dip below freezing over the weekend

Arctic blast: Snow forecast across parts of the UK as Met Office warns temperatures could dip below zero this weekend

Virginia McCullough, 36, (pictured) admitted poisoning her father with prescription medication and stabbing her mother before hiding their bodies for years

Artist, 36, who murdered her parents then lived alongside their bodies for four years to be sentenced

A British man was stabbed to death with a Machete in an attack at his home in Kenya

British man 'stabbed to death with machete' in Kenya home after 'someone tried poisoning dogs'

Mohamed Al Fayed

Met police probe 40 new rape and sexual assault allegations against Mohamed Al Fayed

Tickets for the NYE London fireworks this year will cost as much as £50

London New Year’s Eve fireworks tickets to cost up to £50 as ‘premium’ views and ‘tourist tax’ introduced

The captain of a fishing vessel was rescued by the US Coast Guard after he survived Hurricane Milton

Saved by an ice box: Astonishing moment man is rescued by helicopter after being left stranded in Gulf of Mexico

'I wouldn't do it again': Jenrick suggests regret for painting over murals at children’s asylum centre.

'I wouldn't do it again': Robert Jenrick says he regrets ordering workers to paint over murals at children’s asylum centre