Frank Christian
George Baldock, a former Premier League player, passed away this week at the age of 31, as confirmed by his family.
According to The Guardian, police in Greece reported that Baldock was discovered deceased in his swimming pool at his residence in southern Athens.
Reports from the Reuters news agency indicated that officers attempted CPR at the location, but Baldock could not be revived.
In a statement released by the Mirror, Baldock’s family expressed their shock and grief, requesting privacy during this difficult time.
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
Baldock transferred to the Greek club Panathinaikos in May following a successful career that saw him make over 200 appearances for Sheffield United. During the 2023/24 season, he played in 13 Premier League matches.
Sheffield United released a statement on October 9, expressing their sadness over Baldock’s passing and sharing condolences with his family and friends.
In a statement, Panathinaikos said, “We are shocked and deeply saddened by the loss of George. The entire Panathinaikos family mourns his unexpected passing, and we extend our support to his family and loved ones.”
Tributes for George Baldock at the England vs. Greece Match
Born in England but eligible to represent Greece through his grandmother, Baldock did not make it into this month’s squad against England and the Republic of Ireland.
The Hellenic Football Federation said it was at a loss for words to describe the pain caused by Baldock’s untimely death, offering condolences from what they called his “second family.”
The Greek football governing body requested the players wear black armbands during the UEFA Nations League match against England at Wembley Stadium on October 10, and this request was approved.
England’s official account also expressed sadness over Baldock’s death, noting how closely he was associated with many players on the team, especially since Greece was their opponent on that night.
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. https://t.co/agVypQ2eVK
— England (@England) October 9, 2024
A Glimpse into George Baldock’s Career
Baldock was born in Buckingham, England, in March 1993, and over his career, he accumulated more than 440 appearances in professional football, primarily in England.
He began his senior career with MK Dons in 2009 and spent eight years with the club, taking on loan roles at teams like Northampton Town, Tamworth, and Oxford United, as well as an Icelandic club, IBV.
In 2017, he joined Sheffield United, where he achieved notable success, helping the team gain promotion to the Premier League twice and playing 83 matches in the top division.
Baldock’s contract with the Blades expired at the end of the 2023/24 season, leading him to sign a three-year deal with Panathinaikos, with whom he played three matches in the 2024/25 season.
Making his national team debut for Greece in 2022, Baldock earned 12 caps, including five during the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign where Greece faced a penalty shootout defeat against Georgia in March.
