George Baldock: Former Sheffield United defender dies aged 31
Super League Greece 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"
Thursday 10 October 2024 12:59, UK
Former Sheffield United defender George Baldock has died at the age of 31, Super League Greece has announced.
Greece international Baldock signed for Panathinaikos this summer after a seven-year spell at Bramall Lane, making his debut in August.
According to reports in Greece, Baldock's body was found at his home in the Athens suburb of Glyfada.
The Greek club posted a tribute on Instagram, writing: "We are shocked, we are shocked by the loss of our George. Panathinaikos' family mourns his unexpected loss. We stand with the family and relatives of George Baldock."
Although Baldock, who featured in Panathinaikos' 0-0 draw with Olympiacos on Sunday, was not named in Greece's latest international squad, there will be a period of silence when the team meets England at Wembley Stadium on Thursday evening to mark his sudden passing. Both sets of players will wear black armbands.
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."
A Greek Football Federation statement read: "With deep sadness and pain, the National Team and the Hellenic Football Federation say goodbye to George Baldock. There are no words to describe the human pain caused by the news of the untimely loss of one of our young people. The moment calls for silence. Condolences to his family. Condolences from his second family. Goodbye."
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."
Baldock was born in England and started his professional career at MK Dons, where he spent eight years.
After several loan moves to clubs including Tamworth, Oxford United and Northampton, the defender made a permanent move to Sheffield United in 2017.
He made more than 200 appearances for the Blades - including 83 outings in the Premier League, where he scored two goals and registered six assists - before joining Greek side Panathinaikos this summer.
Baldock, capped by the Greek national side on 12 occasions, made four appearances this season across all competitions.
A statement from Hellenic Police in Athens, released on Thursday, said:
"The preliminary investigation is carried out by the Attica Security Directorate. A forensic pathologist was called to the scene and examined the body with no evidence of criminal activity.
"The police searched the house to determine if there were any signs of a burglary with a negative result.
"In addition, a specialised team of the Criminal Investigation Directorate of the police carried out a check on the house in order to rule out the possibility of criminal activity."
