Former Sheffield United defender George Baldock dies aged 31
George Baldock during his time at Sheffield United (Zac Goodwin/PA)
Former Sheffield United defender George Baldock has died at the age of 31, Super League Greece has announced.
Greek state-run ERT television said the body of Baldock was found late on Wednesday at his home in the southern suburb of Glyfada. The cause of death was not immediately clear.
English-born Baldock was called up for Greece in 2022 and played 12 matches, the last in March in Greece's loss on penalties to Georgia in the Euro 2024 playoffs.
He was not in Greece's squad for the UEFA Nations League double-header against England on Thursday and Ireland on Sunday.
Baldock joined Sheffield United in 2017 and helped the club earn promotion to the Premier League twice, in 2019 and 2023.
He joined Panathinaikos in May, on a three-year contract, after Sheffield United was again relegated to England's Championship.
“Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock,” the English club said on social media.
“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.”
A Super League Greece statement 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.”
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England international and former Sheffield United player Harry Maguire posted “RIP” and a heartbreak emoji alongside an image of Baldock on Instagram.
Northampton, where Baldock had a loan spell in 2011, wrote on X: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former loanee George Baldock at the tragically young age of 31.
“George made five appearances in 2011 before playing for Oxford United and Sheffield United. Sending our sincerest condolences to George’s family and friends.”
