Former Premier League star dies after being 'found in swimming pool'

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

Former Sheffield United star George Baldock is said to have been found dead in his swimming pool in Greece at the young age of 31. The shocking news has been reported by multiple Greek outlets, with tributes flooding in for the ex-Premier League player.

Baldock 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. Sheffield United also released a statement: "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," reports the Mirror.

The PFA expressed their profound sorrow following the untimely death of Baldock: "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, a former teammate at Sheffield United, paid homage on Instagram with a heartfelt post featuring 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, earned 12 caps for their national team. His passing comes just before Greece's scheduled match against England at Wembley on Thursday night.

In light of this, England released a statement saying: "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."

After leaving Sheffield United, Baldock joined Panathinaikos last summer and made four appearances this season, the latest being against Olympiacos on October 6. Panathinaikos, in their statement, shared their shock and grief: "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."

Baldock was not included in Greece's squad for the match against England due to an injury. Panathinaikos changed their profile picture on X and Instagram to black following the tragic news.

A statement from the Greek Super League read: "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."

A popular figure at Bramall Lane, Baldock played 219 times for the Blades in all competitions, scoring six goals. He twice assisted United in winning promotion from the Championship into the Premier League.

Baldock started his career at MK Dons and made 125 appearances for the club. In addition to Northampton and Oxford, he also had loan spells with non-league side Tamworth and Icelandic team IBV.

In a statement, Northampton Town said: "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 added: "We are deeply devastated and saddened to learn about the shocking news of former Academy graduate and MK Dons player, George Baldock."

"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."