The former Sheffield United and Greece defender George Baldock has died at the age of 31.
According to police sources, his body was found on Wednesday in a swimming pool at his home in Glyfada, southern Athens, but 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 official told the Reuters news agency.
The Greece international signed for Panathinaikos in the summer, following a seven-year spell at Bramall Lane, and made his debut in August. The full-back, who was not named in the Nations League squad to face England on Thursdaytonight, had played in Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Olympiakos in Greece’s Super League.
A statement from the Greece national team read: “With profound sadness and sorrow, the national team and the Greek Football Federation bid farewell to George Baldock. There are no words to describe the human pain caused by the news of the unexpected loss of one of our own, young, man. The moment forces silence. Condolences to his family. Condolences from his second family.”
Sheffield United 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.”
Harry Maguire, a former Sheffield United player, 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.”
Buckinghamshire-born Baldock started his career at MK Dons and went on to play more than 100 times for the club. After loan spells away, he signed for Sheffield United in 2017 and became a key figure as Chris Wilder’s team secured promotion to the Premier League.
With Greek ancestry in his family, the defender was convinced by then-Greece head coach Gus Poyet to play for the national team and went on to earn 12 caps, last playing for his country earlier this year.
