The former Sheffield United defender George Baldock has died at the age of 31, Super League Greece has announced. His body was found on Wednesday in a swimming pool at his home in Athens, according to police sources.
The cause of death remains unknown. Police tried cardiopulmonary resuscitation on Baldock but could not revive him and medical emergency units confirmed his death, one police official said.
Greece international Baldock signed for Panathinaikos this summer after a seven-year spell at Bramall Lane, making his debut in August. The full-back, who was not named in the Greece squad to face England on Thursday, featured in Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Olympiakos.
A Super League Greece statement read: “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.”
The Blades paid tribute to their “extremely popular” former player. “Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock,” a club statement read. “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.”
The England international and former Sheffield United player Harry Maguire posted “RIP” and a heartbreak emoji alongside an image of Baldock on Instagram.
Northampton, where Baldock had a loan spell in 2011, wrote on X: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former loanee George Baldock at the tragically young age of 31. George made five appearances in 2011 before playing for Oxford United and Sheffield United. Sending our sincerest condolences to George’s family and friends.”
