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Former Sheffield United defender George Baldock dies aged 31 | Sheffield United

Former Sheffield United and Greece defender George Baldock has died aged 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 to resuscitate Baldock but were unable to revive him and emergency medical services confirmed his death, an official told Reuters news agency.

The Greece international signed for Panathinaikos in the summer after a seven-year spell at Bramall Lane and made his debut in August. The full-back, who was not included in the Nations League squad for Thursday’s match against England, played in the 0-0 draw against Olympiacos in the Greek Super League on Sunday.

A statement from the Greek national team read: “It is with deep sadness and sorrow that the national team and the Hellenic Football Association 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 men. 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 deeply saddened by the passing of former player George Baldock,” said a statement from the club. “The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extremely popular with supporters, staff and teammates who donned a red and white shirt alongside him. The sincere condolences from everyone involved with Sheffield United go out to George’s family and friends.”

Harry Maguire, a former Sheffield United player, posted “RIP” and a heartbreak emoji next to an image of Baldock on Instagram, while former teammate Dean Henderson posted “RIP Blades legend” on X along with a photo of the pair.

A statement from the Football Association said: “We are devastated to hear of the death of George Baldock at the age of 31. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to George’s family, friends and teammates at club and country.”

An English statement added: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of George Baldock. George was close to many of our players and represented Greece, our opponents, on Thursday evening. We are thinking of George’s family, friends and teammates at club and country at this difficult time.”

Buckingham-born Baldock started his career at MK Dons and went on to make more than 100 appearances for the club. He had numerous loan spells, including two spells at Oxford. Northampton, where Baldock had a loan spell in 2011, wrote of X: “We are deeply saddened to learn that former loanee George Baldock has passed away at the tragically young age of 31. George made five appearances in 2011 before playing for Oxford United and Sheffield United. We send our sincere condolences to George’s family and friends.”

Baldock signed for Sheffield United in 2017 and two years later was a key figure as Chris Wilder’s team were promoted to the Premier League. They initially conquered the top flight before being relegated in 2021. Baldock helped the Blades secure automatic promotion back to the top flight of English football and his form earned him international recognition in 2022.

With Greek descent in his family, the defender was convinced to play for the national team by then Greek head coach Gus Poyet. He earned twelve caps and last played for his country earlier this year.

A move to Panathinaikos followed after 219 appearances for the Blades. Baldock played at MK Dons with his older brother Sam Baldock, who is now academy coach at Brighton. A statement from Brighton said: “We are shocked by the death of George Baldock at the age of 31. Our love and condolences go out to George’s brother and our colleague Sam, and his family and friends at this time.”

MK Dons said in a statement: “We are deeply devastated and saddened by the shocking news from former Academy graduate and MK Dons player, George Baldock. Everyone associated with MK Dons shares a great love for George, Sam and the Baldock family, and we would like to share our sincere condolences at these terrible times. You’ll always be one of us, George.’