FORMER Premier League star George Baldock has tragically died at the age of 31.
Former Sheffield United defender Baldock was found dead at his home in Greece, where he played for Panathinaikos.
Greek media report his wife, who lives in England, was looking for him with their child – who had a birthday – but she couldn’t find him and started to worry.
She then informed the owner of the house in Glyfada to go to the spot, where he was finally found dead in swimming pool.
Police are now investigating.
Born in England, Baldock had Greek roots through his gran and had played for the counrty 12 times.
He played for MK Dons, Oxford United, Tamworth and Northampton Town before making his name with Sheffield United.
He starred for the Blades between 2017 and 2024, making more than 219 appearances.
He then joined Panathinaikos from the Yorkshire club this summer.
He had made four appearances for the club this season, including three in the league.
His most recent appearance came against Olympiacos on October 6.
Baldock missed out on the most recent Greece international squad, who are due to play England in the Nations League at Wembley on Thursday night, and had been ruled out of the September games against Finland and Ireland through injury.
His club blacked out its social media icons on Instagram and X, formerly Twitter, following the news.
The Greek national team are expected to wear black armbands for the match against the Three Lions.
In a statement Sheffield United said: “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.”
His former club Northampton released a statement paying tribute to Baldock.
It read: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former loanee George Baldock at the tragically young age of 31.
“George made 5 appearances in 2011 before playing for Oxford United and Sheffield United.
“Sending our sincerest condolences to George’s family and friends.”
Manchester United star Harry Maguire paid tribute by posting a picture of Baldock on his Instagram page with a broken heart emoji.
The Greece Super League 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.”
George Baldock career stats
George Baldock has tragically died aged 31
2009-2017 – MK Dons 125 (2)
2011 – Tamworth (loan) 3 (0)
2012 – IBV (loan) 18 (1)
2012 – Tamworth (loan) 15 (1)
2015-16 – Oxford United (loan) 47 (3)
2017-2024 – Sheffield United 219 (6)
2024 – Panathinaikos 4 (0)
More to follow.
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