fbpx
Connect with us

Championship

Tributes paid by fans and clubs as footballer George Baldock is found dead aged 31

Tributes have been paid by fans and clubs as it’s confirmed that the much loved footballer George Baldock has been found dead aged 31.

He was found dead in his swimming pool at his home in Greece, his death initially reported by Greek outlets including Sport24 and SDNA.

He played for the Blades between 2017 and 2024, making more than 219 appearances, and previous to that, played for MK Dons, Oxford United, Tamworth and Northampton Town.

The 12-cap Greek international had joined Panathinaikos from Sheffield United this summer and made four appearances for the club this season.

He had played his fourth goal for the club just three days ago, in a 0-0 draw at home to Olympiakos on the 6th of October.

Baldock’s wife reportedly tried to contact him, but having gone several hours without getting a response, she got in touch with the owner of the villa in which he lives.

A search of the suburban property was done and they discovered Baldock in the pool and called the emergency services.

A doctor arrived at the scene, as part of the response unit, and verified that Baldock had passed away.

His family have said: “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.”

Sheffield United tweeted: “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.”

Brighton & Hove Albion: “We are shocked to learn of the passing of George Baldock at the age of 31. Our love and condolences are with George’s brother and our colleague Sam, and his family and friends at this time. 💙🤍”

Panathinaikos: “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.”

In a post on Instagram, Harry Maguire uploaded a photo of George Baldock with it captioned ‘RIP’ and a broken heart emoji, as can be seen below…

Harry Maguire shared a photo of the former Sheffield United defender to his Instagram story

HIS CAREER:

Youth career
–2009 – Milton Keynes Dons

Senior career
2009–2017 – Milton Keynes Dons – 125 games (2 goals)
2011 → Northampton Town (loan) – 5 games (0 goals)
2012 → Tamworth (loan) – 3 games (0 goals)
2012 → ÍBV (loan) – 19 games (1 goal)
2012 → Tamworth (loan) – 19 games (1 goal)
2015–2016 → Oxford United (loan) – 47 games (3 goals)
2017–2024 – Sheffield United – 219 games (6 goals)
2024 – Panathinaikos – 4 games (0 goals)

International career
2022–2024 – Greece – 12 games (0 goals)

Dean Henderson posted a picture of the pair on Instagram, captioned: “Devastated to hear the news today. A friend, great teammate, great player and also a great family man. Sending all my love to all the family. RIP brother.”

The Football Association said in 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 team-mates at club and country.”

The England national team: “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.”

The English Football League: “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.”

Northampton Town: “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 club doctor, said: “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 also had a loan spell at early in his career, said he was “a brilliant character and a brilliant person”, adding: “George went on to fulfil his potential and will always be remembered by everyone associated with Tamworth Football Club.”

The Greek Football Federation has requested UEFA to allow players to wear black armbands in their next two Nations League matches in memory of George Baldock’s sudden passing.

The Greek Super League said: “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.”

As mentioned, tributes have been paid by fans and clubs as footballer George Baldock is found dead aged 31…

@turkishDan1: Devastating news. RIP George Baldock 🤍

@masonwba_: only one george baldock. absolutely loved him as a player man

@nattasswfc: Horrendous news regarding George Baldock. 31 years of age is far too young. RIP 🕊️

@007Sutts: Absolutely tragic news about George Baldock, brother of ex Bristol City player Sam. No age at all. Thoughts and prayers to all his family, friends and those who watched him and supported him 🥲 RIP George

@Kevin6Boswell: Horrific news, RIP George Baldock

@MajesticMac_LFC: What sad and tragic news. Rest in peace George Baldock

@DemBlades1889:
This is devastating.
RIP George Baldock.💔⚔️

@steveco87037733: Devastated. 😢 The guy was a legend and played a big part of our 2 promotions. 100% committed. Rest in Peace George ⚔️

@Daniell57812031: This shocking and awful news. RIP. sending my love and thoughts to his friends and family

@ColmFlaherty23: Absolutely gutted. George Baldock was the epitome of a Sheffield United player. Rest in peace, Starman ⚔️

@jaydyer28: Wow can’t believe the news about George baldock what a player he was such a tragedy at a young age forever a yellow RIP 💛💙 @OUFCOfficial

@1889_bedders: Sending prayers to his family and friends during this very difficult period ❤️

@abbypalmerx: This is really, really fckin sad 😢 rip George Baldock, one of the best to put the shirt on❤️⚔️

@KopFinest: None of this would have been possible without George Baldock. My favourite of all time alongside Billy. The man who loved and fought for our own club, the same way we would all dream of doing so. Forever Number 2.

@OUFCPCW: George Baldock played a big part in the 2015/2016 promotion season, despite being recalled by MK Dons on 31 January 2016. A fantastic, attacking RB during his time at OUFC. Devastating that he’s passed away aged just 31. RIP George. 😔

@BFSCShaun: Genuinely feels like a massive gut punch the George Baldock news. Unbelievable player for the Dons, no matter where he went he worked hard, played for the badge on the shirt. Seemed to have a great thing going out in Greece. Devastating news

@lucypritty1: He wasn’t just a player.. he was an absolute legend for Sheff Utd.. 219 appearances and 6 goals over 7 fantastic seasons ❤️ RIP George Baldock, my heart goes out to all of your family, friends, and football colleagues at such a tough time ❤️

@phoenixSUFC:
THERES A STARMAN RUNNING DOWN THE RIGHT
HIS NAME IS GEORGEY BALDOCK AND HES FUCKING DYNAMITE ❤️⚔️ #georgebaldock

Related Topics
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

More in Championship