George Baldock, a former defender for Sheffield United, passed away at the age of 31. Greece international born in England was discovered dead in his home’s swimming pool in Glyfada, a neighborhood in southern Athens.
Baldock’s death was verified by medical emergency units after police at the scene failed to resuscitate him, according to a police official quoted by the Reuters news agency.
Table of Contents
After seven years with the Blades, Baldock joined Greek club Panathinaikos in the summer. George has regrettably passed away, as we can confirm,” a family statement read. “As a family we are in shock at this terrible loss.”
“We are shocked, shocked by the loss of our George,” Panathinaikos stated in a statement. “Panathinaikos’s family is in mourning following his sudden passing. We are in solidarity with George Baldock’s family and loved ones.”
The news shocked Sheffield United as well. They stated: “The defender, who spent 7 years at Bramall Lane, exited the club during the summer. He was very well-liked by teammates, staff, and fans who wore red and white shirts with him.
“The sincere condolences of everyone associated with Sheffield United are extended to George’s family and friends.” Baldock began Sunday’s goalless draw between Panathinaikos and Olympiakos, marking his fourth appearance for the team.
Greece, for whom he qualified thanks to his grandmother, gave him 12 caps. Baldock was not included in the team for Thursday’s Nations League match between Greece and England.
“With profound sadness and sorrow, the national team and the Greek Football Federation bid farewell to George Baldock,” the Greece national team announced in a statement.
The tragic news of the untimely death of a few of our own young men fills us with an indescribable sense of human suffering. Silence is demanded by the moment. My sympathies to his family. From his second family, condolences.”
Baldock played more than a hundred games for MK Dons since joining them in 2009. Before arriving at Sheffield United in 2017, he had loan stints with a number of teams, including Oxford United and Northampton. He played for the team in 219 games in all competitions, and in 2019 and 2023 he helped them get promoted to the Premier League.
Although Baldock had been born in Buckingham, he chose to play for Greece in May 2022 after manager Gus Poyet gave him his first call-up. The following month, he made his debut for the nation at Windsor Park in Belfast, winning 1-0 against Northern Ireland.
Greek society is shocked.
Greek football fans are in disbelief. The nation went into sadness upon learning about Baldock’s unexpected passing. Greece’s national team is in London ahead of their Thursday night match against England, and the players are finding it hard to accept what has happened. Baldock participated in 12 games for Greece; he last played against Georgia in March 2023.
The Greek squad has requested that before the match, there be a moment of silence and the ability for UEFA to allow black armbands against England.
His wife spent several hours looking for Baldock because she was unable to get in touch with him. The body of the 31-year-old athlete was discovered within the pool by the owner of the home where Baldock was residing, who was contacted.
Though sources within the police department indicate there are no signs of foul play, an official announcement from Greek police is anticipated on Thursday. In the next days, an autopsy will identify the cause of death.
“A player who left a lasting impression” was how George Baldock was remembered.
On Wednesday night, the profile images of Panathinaikos along with the members of the Greek were turned black on social media.
Former Sheffield United player Harry Maguire, a defender for Manchester United, shared a photo of Baldock along with the words “RIP” and a broken heart emoji. “RIP Blades legend” was written by former Sheffield United teammate Dean Henderson on X, accompanied with a photo of the two.
In a statement, the Football Association said, “We are deeply saddened by the news of George Baldock’s 31-year-old demise.
The England national team expressed their sadness over George Baldock’s passing on X. George, who on Thursday night represented Greece—our opponents—was close to several of our players.
In a statement, the English Football League said, “We are extremely sorry to hear of George Baldock’s passing. He had spells throughout the league’s history at Sheffield United, Oxford United, Northampton Town, and MK Dons, and he left a lasting impression.” “Our thoughts are with his family, friends and former colleagues.”
The Greek Super League issued the following statement: “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.”
People also Reading
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: Captains’ Day Launches the Tournament in Grand Style
The Rise of Jayden Daniels: Commanders QB Sets New Rookie Standards
Australia defeats England in their first T20
