Former Sheffield United defender George Baldock has tragically passed away at the age of 31.
The England-born Greece international was found dead in the swimming pool of his home in Glyfada, southern Athens. Police attempted to resuscitate Baldock at the scene, but he could not be revived, with medical emergency units confirming his death, according to Reuters, citing a police official.
Baldock had joined Greek club Panathinaikos in the summer after spending seven years at Sheffield United. A family statement confirmed the sad news: “We can confirm that George has sadly passed away. As a family, we are in shock at this terrible loss.”
Panathinaikos also expressed their shock, saying: “We are shocked, 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.”
Sheffield United echoed this sentiment, stating: “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.”
Baldock had made four appearances for Panathinaikos and started in their goalless draw with Olympiakos on Sunday. He earned 12 caps for Greece, qualifying through his grandmother. Greece is set to face England in the Nations League on Thursday, although Baldock had not been selected for the game.
The Greece national team said in a statement: “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, a young man. The moment forces silence. Condolences to his family. Condolences from his second family.”
Baldock began his career at MK Dons in 2009, making over 100 appearances for the club. He had loan spells with several clubs, including Northampton and Oxford United, before joining Sheffield United in 2017.
Baldock made 219 appearances across all competitions for Sheffield United, playing a key role in helping the club secure promotion to the Premier League in both 2019 and 2023.
Born in Buckingham, Baldock chose to represent Greece in May 2022 when he received his first call-up to the national team from manager Gus Poyet. He made his debut for Greece the following month in a 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland at Windsor Park in Belfast.
‘Greek community in shock
The news of Baldock’s sudden death has sent shockwaves through the Greek football community, plunging the country into mourning. Members of the Greek national team, currently in London ahead of their Thursday night match against England, are struggling to process the tragic news. Baldock, who made 12 appearances for Greece, last played for his country in March 2023 against Georgia.
In honor of the late Baldock, the Greek team has requested to wear black armbands during the match against England and hold a moment of silence before the game.
The tragic discovery came after Baldock’s wife had been searching for him for several hours, unable to reach him. The house owner, after being contacted, found the 31-year-old footballer’s body in the pool. An official statement from Greek police is expected on Thursday. However, early sources suggest there are no indications of foul play, and the cause of death will be determined by an autopsy in the coming days.
A player who made a lasting impact’ – Tributes paid to Baldock
In the wake of Baldock’s death, social media accounts of Panathinaikos and the Greece national team changed their profile pictures to black in tribute.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, who began his career at Sheffield United, shared a picture of Baldock with a broken heart emoji and the letters RIP.
Former Sheffield United teammate Dean Henderson posted on X, “RIP Blades legend,” alongside a picture of the two.
The Football Association also released a statement: “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,” said the England national team on X. “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 teammates at this difficult time.”
The English Football League (EFL) also paid tribute, stating: “The EFL is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of George Baldock, a player who made a lasting impact with spells across the league at Sheffield United, Oxford United, Northampton Town, and MK Dons. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and former colleagues.”
Baldock began his career in the youth system at MK Dons, alongside his brother Sam. The club expressed their grief, saying: “We are deeply devastated and saddened to learn about the shocking news of former Academy graduate and MK Dons player, George Baldock. Everyone affiliated with MK Dons shares a great love for George, Sam, and the Baldock family, and we would like to share our sincerest condolences during these awful times. You will always be one of our own, George.”
Northampton Town, where Baldock had a loan spell, expressed their sorrow: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former loanee George Baldock at the tragically young age of 31. Sending our sincerest condolences to George’s family and friends.”
Oxford United, where Baldock’s brother James is the club doctor, also paid their respects: “Oxford United is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player George Baldock, aged 31. The sincere condolences of everyone associated with the club are extended to James, Sam, his family, and friends.”
Tamworth, where Baldock had a loan spell early in his career, described him as “a brilliant character and a brilliant person,” adding: “George went on to fulfill his potential and will always be remembered by everyone associated with Tamworth Football Club.”
The Greek Super League, too, shared their condolences: “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.”
