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English football pay tribute after much loved footballer Joe Thompson sadly dies aged 36

English football pay tribute, being left devastated, after the much loved footballer Joe Thompson sadly dies aged 36.

Joe Thompson, a beloved English footballer, has passed away after a courageous battle with cancer, prompting heartfelt tributes across the football community.

Born in Bath in 1989, Thompson rose through Manchester United’s youth academy before making his mark at Rochdale, where he made over 200 appearances.

He also played for Tranmere Rovers, Bury, and Carlisle United. Diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013, he beat the disease twice, returning to score a memorable goal in 2018 that kept Rochdale in League One — a moment named the Laureus Sporting Moment of the Year.

Sadly, the cancer returned a third time in 2024, spreading to his lungs, and he passed away peacefully on April 17, 2025, surrounded by family.

A post put on Joe Thompson’s social media read: The words I thought I would never have to write….

“Our brave and courageous Joey passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning, he was at home where he wanted to be in a beautiful peaceful setting surrounding by his family when he transitioned.

“Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.

“He was the most Incredible husband, son, brother, friend & father to our beautiful daughters who will now carry his light and legacy on and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joes love every single day.

“It’s been a long battle, and one that he fought with all his might and he did things HIS way!!

“He choose his path and walked every step with courage and pride growing closer and closer to god each day whilst still being there for so many others.

“He held on to his plans for the future to continue that legacy but It’s now time for him to rest up and watch over us from heaven.

“I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy.

“Long may his legacy and impact live on!!

“Joe wanted an open funeral so everyone who feels that Joe in anyway made an impact to their life’s and wishes to attend can do so.

“Once we know more around dates etc we will be sharing that on his socials.

“Thank you to everyone who has been apart of this journey with us… we are all forever grateful”

ROCHDALE STATEMENT:

Rochdale Football Club is devastated to learn of the passing of Joe Thompson.
Joe, who had been bravely battling cancer for a third time, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, with his family by his side.

Known by those close to Rochdale as ‘Joey T’, he made over 200 appearances for his local team, representing the badge with pride.

We first knew Joe primarily as a talented footballer, but we would soon grow to adore his loving, infectious personality.

He faced every battle head-on, both on and off the pitch. His journey and indomitable spirit have been an inspiration for everyone who has been touched by his story.

Above all of that, Joe was a loving husband to Chantelle and an incredible father to Thailula and Athena Rae.

Our thoughts are with Joe’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time.

Joe Thompson – one of our own.

Born in Bath on 5th March 1989, Joe moved to Rochdale at an early age, attending St Vincent’s Primary School and later St Cuthbert’s High School.

At the age of nine, he joined Manchester United’s Academy where he stayed until 16-years-old.

It was then, in the summer of 2005, he joined Dale on a YTS deal, making his First Team debut in a match against Carlisle United in May 2006.

Joe would go on to be a regular and played an integral part in promotion to League One in 2010.

His first spell with the Club came to an end in 2012 having made 157 appearances and scoring 17 goals.

It was that summer he joined Tranmere Rovers, although he did return to Spotland for a loan spell in that season, making seven appearances.

In 2013, Joe was diagnosed with the cancerous disease Hodgkin lymphoma, battling to overcome that and returning to professional football with Bury in 2014.

Spells at Wrexham, Southport and Carlisle United followed before a return to the Crown Oil Arena in 2016 marked a third stint with Dale.

However, just several months later, the disease came back for a second time. Once again, Joe summoned the will to bravely fight off the disease and returned to action just nine months after his last match.

He featured in our FA Cup fifth round replay against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium, before entering himself into Rochdale folklore on the final day of the 2017/18 season.

With Dale needing a win to survive relegation to League Two, Joe appeared as a 67th minute substitute and just two minutes later, he scored the crucial goal that secured a 1-0 victory and our League One status.

He made one more appearance for the Club before announcing his retirement from football in 2019.

Joe would go on to tell his inspiring story as a motivational speaker and life coach, as well as becoming an engaging football pundit and holding an ambassadorial role with Manchester United, amongst many other things.

He also spent a lot of time raising vital funds for various charities, most recently completing a 21-mile walk from Old Trafford to the Crown Oil Arena, despite suffering the effects of the awful disease.

Joe’s legacy will live on forever.

Our First Team players will wear black armbands during Friday’s match at Altrincham, before we plan to pay tribute to Joe at our next home match against AFC Fylde on Easter Monday. More details will follow.

Joey Thompson, he’s one of our own.
1989 – 2025

English football pay tribute after the much loved footballer Joe Thompson sadly dies aged 36…

@DamienCLM: RIP @IAmJoeThompson. Fought so bravely for many years. Was a year under me at Primary and High school so watched his development over the years at Dale and a brief spell at #BuryFC. Thoughts with his loved ones.

@frankwilde9: RIP Joe 😔🕯

@JoeAtkin_95: Rest in Peace Joe. Battled so hard against Cancer. Thoughts go out to all his family and friends❤️

@nikkiwba: Such sad news RIP Joe

@mattbdale: RIP Joey T thoughts and prayers with your family and my fellow dale fans. Will never forget Charlton one of my best memories as a Rochdale fan

@gudladme: This hits hard 😔 represented #rafc with pride and passion. Fought his battles in the same way. 36 years old is just heartbreaking 💔

@Necty_G: Devastating news. RIP Joe 💔

@bcfcgal: How sad! 💔 this bloke and his family has been through hell and back.

@TheDB30: Horrendous news, thoughts go out to his family, friends and everyone he played with and who coached him. Rest easy Joe 🪽

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