Former Premier League player George Baldock died this week at the age of 31 after drowning while swimming, his family confirmed in a statement.
The Guardian, citing police sources in Greece, said the defender was found dead in a swimming pool at his home in southern Athens.
The Reuters news agency said police had attempted CPR at the scene but Baldock could not be revived. A post-mortem later confirmed the cause of death, his family said in a statement via the Associated Press.
In a statement published by the Mirror on October 10, Baldock's family said: "We can confirm that George has sadly passed away. As a family we are in shock at this terrible loss. We ask please that the media respect our privacy at this time."
Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock.
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) October 9, 2024
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
Baldock, who signed for Greek side Panathinaikos in May this year, made more than 200 appearances for Sheffield United during a career largely spent in England. He played 13 Premier League games in 2023/24 before leaving the Blades and moving to Greece, the country for whom he made 12 international appearances.
"Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock," his former club said in a statement on October 9.
"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."
Panathinaikos posted a statement in English, which read: "We are shocked, we feel appalled by the loss of our George. The family of Panathinaikos mourns his sudden death. We stand with the family and loved ones of George Baldock."
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George Baldock cause of death: Family say player drowned while swimming
In a statement to the Associated Press on October 11, the family of George Baldock said the cause of death was drowning while swimming.
"We are heartbroken with the sudden passing of our beloved George," they said. "We can confirm that a post-mortem examination has found that George tragically drowned whilst swimming in the pool at his home in Glyfada, Athens.
"George, you were the most special father, fiance, son, brother, uncle, friend, teammate and person. Your enthusiasm and infectious personality brought so much love to those that were fortunate enough to know you and those that adored you from the stands.
"We will forever cherish the special memories we have of you and you will continue to live on in your beautiful son."
George Baldock tributes held at England vs. Greece match
Baldock was born in England, but represented Greece at international level, having been eligible through his grandmother, although he was not included in the squad for this month's games against England and the Republic of Ireland.
The Hellenic Football Federation said of the player: "There are no words to describe the pain caused by the news of the untimely loss of one of our young people." It offered condolences "from his second family".
Greek football's governing body requested black armbands be worn as Greece faced England in a UEFA Nations League match at Wembley Stadium on October 10. UEFA also confirmed that a minute's silence would precede kickoff.
Greece won the match 2-1 and honoured Baldock as they celebrated the goals and the victory. Striker Vangelis Pavlidis, who scored both goals for the visitors, said: "Our thoughts are with George. We are professionals and had to play the match. We gave our soul for him tonight.
"Today is not a day to talk about football. He was part of our team. We will miss him very much. Also to wish strength to his family and not talk about football. The whole day was numb. We won tonight and don't want to celebrate. There are just no words."
We're extremely saddened by the passing of George Baldock.
— England (@England) October 9, 2024
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. ❤️ https://t.co/agVypQ2eVK
England and Greece players wear black armbands for George Baldock
UEFA said players would wear black armbands during each of Greece's matches this month, against England on October 10 and the Republic of Ireland on October 13.
"UEFA would like to send its condolences to the family of George Baldock, the Hellenic Football Federation (HFF) and Panathinaikos FC following the Greek international's sudden and untimely death," the European governing body said.
"Following a request by the HFF, a minute's silence will be observed ahead of tonight's UEFA Nations League match between England and Greece at Wembley Stadium, with both teams wearing black armbands during the game."
George Baldock career
Baldock, who was born in Buckingham, England in March 1993, and played over 440 matches during a distinguished career spent largely in England's professional football leagues.
After making his senior breakthrough with MK Dons in 2009, he spent another eight years with the club. This included loan spells with Northampton Town, Tamworth, Oxford United, and Icelandic side IBV.
In 2017, Baldock signed for Sheffield United, where he enjoyed the best years of his career. The right-back twice helped the Blades to promotion from the Championship to the Premier League and played 83 matches in England's top division in total.
Baldock left the club when his contract expired at the end of the 2023/24 season, signing a three-year deal with Greek Super League giants Panathinaikos. He played three times in the league in 2024/25.
Baldock made his debut for the Greece national team in 2022. He won 12 senior caps in total, five of which came in the qualifying campaign for Euro 2024, in which Greece were defeated in a penalty shootout by Georgia in a qualification playoff in March.
