Football world mourns death of Greek star George Baldock at 31

Tributes have come pouring in from across the football world after a Greek star was found dead in his swimming pool at 31.

Former Premier League star George Baldock has tragically died at the age of 31.

Former Sheffield United defender Baldock was found dead at his home in Greece, where he played for Panathinaikos, The Sun reports.

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Greek media report his wife, who lives in England, was looking for him with their child - who had a birthday - but she couldn’t find him and started to worry.

She then informed the owner of the house in Glyfada to go to the spot, where he was finally found dead in the swimming pool.

Police are now investigating and were pictured outside of his house later in the evening.

Born in England, Baldock had Greek roots through his gran and had played for the country 12 times.

He graduated from MK Dons youth set-up while also playing for Oxford United, Tamworth and Northampton Town before making his name with Sheffield United.

He starred for the Blades between 2017 and 2024, making more than 219 appearances.

He then joined Panathinaikos from the Yorkshire club this summer.

He had made four appearances for the club this season, including three in the league. His most recent appearance had come against Olympiacos on October 6.

Baldock playing for Panathinaikos last week. (Photo by Eurokinissi / AFP)

Baldock missed out on the most recent Greece international squad, who are due to play England in the Nations League at Wembley, and had been ruled out of the September games against Finland and Ireland through injury.

The Greek national team are expected to wear black armbands for the match against the Three Lions.

His club greyed out its website and social media icons on Instagram and X, formerly Twitter, following the news.

They later released a statement which read: “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.”

Just been sat watching the George Baldock news unfold. Speechless. Heartbroken. A fantastic footballer and a brilliant man who understood what it meant to be a Blade. A Sheffield United legend and a hero to a generation of Blades.

RIP starman.

⚔️❤️#twitterblades#sufcpic.twitter.com/eS32wIxcbW

— The Bladesman (@The_Bladesman) October 9, 2024

In a statement Sheffield United said: “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 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.”

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… pic.twitter.com/OlDsn0lFpB

— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) October 9, 2024

His former club Northampton released a statement paying tribute to Baldock.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former loanee George Baldock at the tragically young age of 31,” it read.

“George made 5 appearances in 2011 before playing for Oxford United and Sheffield United.

“Sending our sincerest condolences to George’s family and friends.”

Manchester United star Harry Maguire - who graduated through the Blades youth team before leaving in 2014 - paid tribute by posting a picture of Baldock on his Instagram page with a broken heart emoji.

Baldock in action on October 6. (Photo by Eurokinissi / AFP) / - Greece OUT

Harry Maguire's post after the death of Baldock.

The Greece Super League said in a 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.”

A statement from the England team said: “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 club and country at this difficult time.”

His older brother Sam, played previously played for Brighton, Reading and Derby, with the clubs paying tribute to George’s passing on social media.

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission.

Originally published as Football world mourns death of Greek star George Baldock at 31