George Baldock dies age 31 as ex-Premier League star found in swimming pool

George Baldock has tragically passed away at the age of 31, with the former Sheffield United and Greece defender being found in his swimming pool in Greece

Former Sheffield United star George Baldock has tragically been found dead in his swimming pool in Greece, aged just 31.

The shocking news has been reported by multiple outlets in Greece, with tributes pouring in for the ex-Premier League star. It is alleged that the alarm was raised when Baldock's wife couldn't reach him after several hours without a response.

Baldock was discovered in the pool and emergency services were summoned, with a doctor from the response unit confirming the tragic death.

The defender had a seven-year stint with the Blades between 2017 and 2024, having also played for MK Dons, Northampton and Oxford.

"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," a family statement read shortly after news of Baldock's death emerged, reports the Mirror.

Sheffield United also released a statement which 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."

The PFA expressed its profound sadness: "Everyone at the PFA is deeply saddened by the passing of George Baldock. The immediate reactions to George's death, at such a tragically young age, reflect how loved and respected he was by teammates, fans and so many across the game. Our thoughts are with George's family and his many friends, within football and beyond."

Harry Maguire, former team-mate at Sheffield United, led the outpouring of grief with an emotional tribute on Instagram, where he posted a picture of Baldock accompanied by a broken heart emoji and the words: "RIP."

Baldock, who had the eligibility to represent Greece through his grandmother, made 12 appearances for their national team. With England set to face Greece at Wembley on Thursday night, England released a statement mourning his loss: "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."

Following his departure from Sheffield United, Baldock joined Greek giants Panathinaikos last summer and had already appeared in four matches this season, including the October 6 encounter with Olympiacos. Panathinaikos were left shaken as they announced: "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."

In a sombre announcement that has sent ripples through the football community, Panathinaikos and the Greek Super League reported the tragic loss of Baldock. In their homage, they stated: "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."

Fondly remembered by fans at Bramall Lane, Baldock had multiple successes with the Blades, playing in 219 matches across all competitions, finding the net six times, and contributing to United's two ascensions from the Championship to the Premier League.

Baldock's impressive football journey began at MK Dons, continuing on to make 125 appearances before his time with Northampton and Oxford. His diverse career also included stints at non-league Tamworth and Icelandic club IBV.

Northampton Town responded to the sorrowful news: "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 on loan from MK Dons before playing for Oxford and Sheff Utd. Sending our sincerest condolences to George's family and friends."

MK Dons, the club where it all started for Baldock, echoed the heartache: "We are deeply devastated and saddened to learn about the shocking news of former Academy graduate and MK Dons player, George Baldock."

A statement from Stadium MK praised how "George started his career at Stadium MK, where he worked his way through the youth ranks and made his senior career debut at the Club before reaching the heights of the Premier League in later years."

The club extended its deepest sympathies: "Everyone affiliated with MK Dons shares a great love for George, Sam and the Baldock family, and we would like to share our sincerest condolences during these awful times. You will always be one of our own, George."

Sam Baldock, George's elder sibling and a former pro player himself, now part of Brighton and Hove Albion's staff, received an outpouring of support from his current club, which stated: "We are shocked to learn of the passing of George Baldock at the age of 31."

Brighton's heartfelt message continued: "Our love and condolences are with George's brother and our colleague Sam, and his family and friends at this time."