As news of the tragic and untimely of Panathinaikos player George Baldock reverberates throughout the global football community, it has led to an outpouring of condolences and expressions of shock on social media.
On Wednesday night, Greek media reported that the football player, who was just 31-years old, was found unresponsive in his pool in the southern Athens suburb of Glyfada. He was pronounced dead and the cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
Unconfirmed reports suggest that Baldock’s wife, unable to reach him from England, sought help from the property owner, who then discovered his body at the residence.
A police investigation into the cause of death is currently underway. According to media reports at SKAI, police are reviewing footage from video cameras positioned around the property. It appears that the player was home alone, and therefore, foul play is not suspected.
A Threads post appears to share news from his family confirming his death and asking the media to respect the family’s privacy at this time.
Messages of support and condolences are pouring in from Greek teams and his former club in England, while his family released a statement about his death.
“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,” the statement read.
Panathinaikos FC, the club he was playing for, released the following statement: “We are devastated and shocked by the loss of our George. The Panathinaikos family mourns the unfortunate passing of George Baldock. We stand by his family and loved ones.”
In its official statement, the Hellenic Football Federation (EPO) wrote: “With profound sadness and grief, the National Team and the Hellenic Football Federation bid farewell to George Baldock. This moment calls for silence. Our deepest condolences to his family. Condolences from his second family. Farewell…”
Olympiacos FC stated on its official Instagram account: “The Olympiacos family shares in the mourning for George Baldock. Courage and strength to his loved ones.” Balcdock had played in last week’s match against the Reds.
AEK FC also expressed its condolences in a message on social media: “The football family of AEK expresses its deep sorrow for the loss of the player of our national team and Panathinaikos, George Baldock, and sends its heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.” A similar message was shared by Asteras Tripolis.
His former club Sheffield United, with whom he had made 219 appearances over seven years, also released a statement in his death:
“Sheffield United is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the death of its former player, George Baldock. The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extremely popular with fans, staff, and his teammates who wore the red and white shirt alongside him. The sincere condolences of everyone associated with Sheffield United are extended to George’s family and friends.”
The English Football Federation and the English national team also extended condolences for George Baldock’s passing.
“We are deeply saddened by the death of George Baldock. George was close to many of our players and represented Greece, our opponents on Thursday night. Our thoughts are with George’s family, friends, and teammates at this difficult time,” said the statement from England’s National Team. The FA added: “We are heartbroken to hear of the death of George Baldock at the age of 31. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to George’s family, friends, and teammates at both his club and country.”
About Baldock
Baldock was a former Sheffield United player and had joined Panathinaikos this season through a 3-year contract to play in the Super League.
A recent Instagram post on the player’s page shows him undergoing health exams and preparing, excitedly, to sign with Panathinaikos.
Baldock was born in England and held Greek nationality through his grandmother, who was of Greek decent. He also recently represented Greece on the country’s national team.
Greek police are investigating information about whether a second individual was with Baldock last night after two glasses were found at the scene. If forensic evidence confirms the presence of a second person, he might face charges of “failing to rescue him” by abandoning the 31-year-old player in a precarious condition.
