The football world is in shock as George Baldock, former Sheffield United defender and current Panathinaikos player, has passed away at the age of 31, as confirmed by Super League Greece.
Baldock, who signed with Panathinaikos this summer after a seven-year stint at Bramall Lane, made his debut in August 2024. The news of his untimely death has left the football community grieving. Baldock’s body was found at his home in the Glyfada suburb of Athens, according to reports from Greece.
According to reports from Greek media and the BBC, as Baldock was born in the United Kingdom, his wife, who is currently in England with their son, could not reach him and asked the landlord of their house in the Glyfada neighborhood to check on him.
The landlord discovered Baldock unconscious in the pool and called medical services
Panathinaikos Pays Tribute
Panathinaikos, Baldock’s current club, posted an emotional tribute on Instagram:
“We are shocked, we are shocked by the loss of our George. Panathinaikos’ family mourns his unexpected loss. We stand with the family and relatives of George Baldock.”
Baldock played in Sunday’s 0-0 draw against Olympiacos but was not named in the Greece squad set to face England on Thursday. He has represented Greece internationally since obtaining citizenship in 2022.
Statements from Football Communities
The football fraternity across Greece and England expressed their condolences:
- Super League Greece released a statement saying:
“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.”
- The Hellenic Football Federation also shared their grief:
“With deep sadness and pain, the National Team and the Hellenic Football Federation say goodbye to George Baldock. There are no words to describe the human pain caused by the news of the untimely loss. Condolences to his family from his second family. Goodbye.”
- Harry Maguire, England international and former Sheffield United player, posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram with a photo of Baldock and the message, “RIP,” along with a heartbreak emoji.
- Northampton Town, where Baldock had a loan spell in 2011, posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former loanee George Baldock at the tragically young age of 31.”
The defender, capped by the Greek national side on 12 occasions, made four appearances this season across all competitions.
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