Former Sheffield United defender George Baldock has been found dead at his home in Greece.
Baldock, 31, was found dead in a swimming pool at his house in Glyfada, southern Athens.
Police attempted to resuscitate Baldock at the scene but he could not be revived and medical emergency units confirmed his death.
Fellow Premier League players, including former Blades star Harry Maguire, led tributes to Baldock online.
The Manchester United and England defender posted a broken heart emoji alongside the words “RIP”.
Baldock made over 200 appearances for Sheffield United, including two promotions to the Premier League, before moving to Greek side Panathinaikos in May where he signed a three-year deal.
The defender also played for MK Dons, Northampton Town, and Oxford United during his career.
Terrible, tragic news as George Baldock has sadly passed away aged 31.
Baldock was playing for Panathinaikos in Greece after several years in England.
Rest in peace, George 💔🕊️ pic.twitter.com/AcleGwFpAF
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 9, 2024
Baldock was born in England but qualified to play for Greece through his grandmother.
He was capped 12 times by the Greek national side, although he was not in the squad to face England in the Nations League at Wembley on Thursday. He made four appearances across all competitions this season.
The Football Association said in a statement: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of George Baldock at the age of 31.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with George’s family, friends and team-mates at club and country.”
The England national team said on X: “We’re extremely saddened by the passing of George Baldock. George was close to many of our players, and represented Greece – our opponents on Thursday night.
“We’re thinking of George’s family, friends and team-mates at club and country at this difficult time.”
In a statement, Super League Greece said: “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.”
Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock.
The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extremely popular with supporters, staff and team-mates who pulled on a… pic.twitter.com/OlDsn0lFpB
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) October 9, 2024
Sheffield United also paid tribute to the defender: “Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock.
“The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extremely popular with supporters, staff and team-mates 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.”
Both Panathinaikos and the Greece national team blackened the profile pictures of their social media accounts on Wednesday evening.
