George Baldock: Former Sheffield United defender drowned while ...

5 days ago

Sky Sports

Former Sheffield United defender George Baldock drowned while swimming in the pool at his home in Athens, a family statement has said.

George Baldock - Figure 1 — Photo Sky Sports

Greek police earlier confirmed there was no evidence that criminal activity caused the death of the 31-year-old Greece international, who signed for Athens club Panathinaikos in the summer.

"We are heartbroken with the sudden passing of our beloved George. We can confirm that a post-mortem examination has found that George tragically drowned whilst swimming in the pool at his home in Glyfada, Athens," a statement from Baldock's family read.

"George, you were the most special father, fiance, son, brother, uncle, friend, team-mate and person. Your enthusiasm and infectious personality brought so much love to those that were fortunate enough to know you and those that adored you from the stands.

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Sky Sports senior reporter Tim Thornton pays tribute to former Sheffield United defender George Baldock who died aged 31

"We will forever cherish the special memories we have of you and you will continue to live on in your beautiful son. You were due to fly home today for us to celebrate his first birthday together, but instead we mourn your loss.

"As a family it has been incredibly touching, but equally so very difficult to read the huge number of tributes written by those that knew George and from those whose life he touched.

"It was impossible not to love him. We ask that you please continue to respect our privacy at this devastating time as we begin to process our grief."

Image: Greece international Baldock joined Panathinaikos from Sheffield United this summer

Greece international Baldock signed for Panathinaikos this summer after a seven-year spell at Bramall Lane, making his debut in August.

The Greek club posted a tribute on Instagram, writing: "We are shocked by the loss of our George. Panathinaikos' family mourns his unexpected loss. We stand with the family and relatives of George Baldock."

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George Baldock - Figure 2 — Photo Sky Sports

There was a period of silence before Thursday night's Nations League match between England and Greece at Wembley, with Baldock's picture shown on the big screens.

Players of both sides also wore black armbands and the Greece team held up his shirt before kick-off.

Pavlidis: We gave everything for Baldock and his family

Vangelis Pavlidis scored twice to help Greece to a deserved 2-1 Nations League win over England at Wembley on Thursday, a result the striker dedicated to his former team-mate Baldock.

Greece's players held up a Baldock shirt after Pavlidis' first goal, with the former Sheffield United player having made 12 appearances for the country.

Pavlidis told ITV: "It was a really special game for us because of George, and of course we gave everything for him and for his family.

Image: Greece players hold aloft a shirt in memory of George Baldock after Vangelis Pavlidis' opener

"It's a great win but more important is the emotions and that we are people and it's a special night because of him first of all.

"It was a really difficult moment for us because George was part of the team. He was a special guy. We had a lot of time together.

"We just said that we have to play for him. It doesn't matter the score today, we want to play for him and we give everything for him."

Image: Pavlidis celebrates scoring against England at Wembley

Tributes pour in for Baldock

A Super League Greece statement released on Wednesday 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 Greek Football Federation statement read: "With deep sadness and pain, the National Team and the Hellenic Football Federation say goodbye to George Baldock.

"There are no words to describe the human pain caused by the news of the untimely loss of one of our young people. The moment calls for silence. Condolences to his family. Condolences from his second family. Goodbye."

George Baldock - Figure 3 — Photo Sky Sports

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."

George Baldock - Figure 4 — Photo Sky Sports

Baldock was born in England and started his professional career at MK Dons, where he spent eight years.

After several loan moves to clubs including Tamworth, Oxford United and Northampton, the defender made a permanent move to Sheffield United in 2017.

He made more than 200 appearances for the Blades - including 83 outings in the Premier League, where he scored two goals and registered six assists - before joining Greek side Panathinaikos this summer.

Baldock, capped by the Greek national side on 12 occasions, made four appearances this season across all competitions.