Former Sheffield United defender George Baldock has passed away at the age of 31.
The England-born Greece international was discovered dead in the swimming pool of his home in Glyfada, southern Athens.
Initial findings from the coroner suggest he drowned, and police have ruled out any criminal activity. His body was located at 10:30 PM local time (8:30 PM BST) on Wednesday.
Authorities attempted to resuscitate Baldock at the scene, but he could not be revived, and medical emergency teams confirmed his death, according to a police official cited by Reuters.
Baldock had joined Greek club Panathinaikos in the summer after spending seven years with the Blades.
“We can confirm that George has sadly passed away,” a family statement said. “As a family we are in shock at this terrible loss.”
Panathinaikos said in a statement: “We are shocked, we are shocked by the loss of our George.
“The family of Panathinaikos mourns his untimely death. We stand with the family and loved ones of George Baldock.”
Sheffield United also expressed their shock at the news, saying: “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.”
Baldock made four appearances for Panathinaikos and started in their goalless draw against Olympiakos on Sunday.
He earned 12 caps for Greece, qualifying to represent the team through his grandmother. Greece is scheduled to play England in the Nations League on Thursday, although Baldock was not included in the squad for the match.
The Greece national team said in a statement: “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.”
Baldock began his career at MK Dons in 2009, making over 100 appearances for the club.
He had loan spells at several clubs, including Northampton and Oxford United, before joining Sheffield United in 2017.
During his time at the club, he made 219 appearances in all competitions, contributing to their promotions to the Premier League in 2019 and again in 2023.
Born in Buckingham, Baldock chose to represent Greece in May 2022 when he received his first call-up to the national team from manager Gus Poyet.
He made his debut the following month in a 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland at Windsor Park in Belfast.
‘A player who made a lasting impact’ – tributes paid to Baldock
The social media accounts of Panathinaikos and the Greece national team blackened their profile pictures on Wednesday evening.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, who started his career at Sheffield United, posted a picture of Baldock with a broken heart emoji and the letters RIP.
Baldock’s former Sheffield United team-mate Dean Henderson posted a picture of the pair on Instagram with the caption: “Devastated to hear the news today. A friend, great teammate, great player and also a great family man. Sending all my love to all the family. RIP brother.”
Paul Heckingbottom, who managed Baldock for 18 months at Sheffield United, wrote on X: “Numbing to hear of George Baldock’s passing, a man with so much still ahead of him in life as a husband, father, brother and son.
“George was a super person and a fantastic professional who was admired and adored by all who worked with him. My prayers are with his loved ones right now.”
Former Greece manager Gus Poyet, who gave Baldock his international debut in 2022, said: “My love and condolences are with George’s family and friends. I’m devastated. Rest in peace George.”
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.”
The English Football League said in a statement: “The EFL is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of George Baldock, a player who made a lasting impact with spells across the league at Sheffield United, Oxford United, Northampton Town and MK Dons.
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and former colleagues.”