FORMER Premier League star George Baldock has tragically been found dead in his swimming pool at the age of 31.
The former Sheffield United defender was discovered at his home in Greece, where he played for Panathinaikos.
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George Baldock was tragically found dead at his home in GreeceCredit: Rex
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Baldock played for Sheffield United between 2017 and 2024. Credit: Getty
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Baldock and Billy Sharp celebrate Sheffield United’s promotion to the Premier League in 2023 Credit: Getty
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Baldock paid for Greece 12 times, qualifying through his grandmother, and moved to Panathinaikos this summerCredit: AFP
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Police were seen outside his home later that evening after his deathCredit: Reuters
Greek media reports that his wife, who lives in England, tried to trace him, but could not find him and began to worry.
She then informed the owner of the house in Glyfada, Athens, to check the property, where he was reportedly found dead in the pool.
Police are now investigating and she was pictured outside his home later in the evening.
Born in Buckinghamshire, Baldock had Greek roots through his grandmother and played for the country 12 times.
He graduated from MK Dons’ youth set-up while also playing for Oxford United, Tamworth and Northampton Town before making his mark at Sheffield United.
He starred for the Blades between 2017 and 2024, amassing over 219 appearances and earning the nickname Furious George for his aggressive all-action style.
He once told the Sheffield Star: “Since coming to this club, I’ve quickly realized that the stronger the opposition, the more you have to find a way to get the upper hand on the opposition.
“I just love to win. I hate to lose and even to draw.”
Manchester United star Harry Maguire – who graduated through the Blades youth team before leaving in 2014 – paid tribute by posting a picture of Baldock on his Instagram page with a heartbroken emoji.
Baldock moved to Panathinaikos from the Yorkshire club this summer.
He has made four appearances for them this season, including three in the league.
His last appearance was against Olympiakos on October 6.
Baldock missed out on Greece’s latest squad, which is due to play England in the Nations League at Wembley on Thursday night.
He was ruled out of the September games against Finland and Ireland due to injury.
Greece manager Poyet reveals Sheff Utd ace Baldock went through an ‘unthinkable’ injury when he silenced France’s Mbappe
The Greek national team is expected to wear black armbands for the match against the Three Lions.
His club grayed out its website and social media icons on Instagram and Xu, formerly Twitter, following the news.
They later released a statement saying: “We are shocked at the loss of our George.
“The Panathinaikos family mourn his untimely death. We stand with the family and loved ones of George Baldock.”
A Sheffield United statement 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 hugely popular with fans, staff and teammates who wore the red and white shirt alongside him.
George Baldock Career Statistics
George Baldock died tragically at the age of 31
2009-2017 – MK Dons 125 games (2 goals)
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)
“The sincere condolences of everyone associated with Sheffield United go out to George’s family and friends.”
Prince Abdullah, United’s owner, posted: “Devastating news, Speechless… My condolences to his family and to all of us who loved him.”
His former club Northampton released a statement paying tribute to Baldock.
It said: “We are deeply saddened to learn that former loanee George Baldock has passed away at the tragically young age of 31.
“George made 5 appearances in 2011 before playing for Oxford United and Sheffield United.
“We send our deepest condolences to George’s family and friends.”
The Greek Super League said in a statement: “The entire Super League football family expresses its deep sadness at the untimely loss of Panathinaikos and our national team footballer, George Baldock, and extends its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”
The England team said in a statement: “We are extremely saddened by the death of George Baldock.
“George was close to many of our players and represented Greece – our opponents on Thursday night.
“Our thoughts are with George’s family, friends and team-mates at club and country at this difficult time.”
His older brother Sam played for Brighton, Reading and Derby, and the clubs paid tribute to George’s death on social media.
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Baldock, right, moved to Greece five months ago Credit: https://www.instagram.com/georgebaldock/
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Harry Maguire paid tribute on Instagram Credit: Harry Maguire/Instagram
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Baldock came through the youth ranks at MK DonsCredits: Rex
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His former clubs were Oxford United, Northampton Town and Tamworth Credits: Rex
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He went on to represent his nation 12 times
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