Former Sheffield United defender George Baldock has tragically passed away at the age of 31.
The England-born Greece international was found unresponsive in the swimming pool of his home in Glyfada, a suburb in southern Athens.
Despite police efforts to resuscitate him at the scene, Baldock could not be revived, and his death was later confirmed by emergency medical units, according to a report from Reuters citing a police official.
Baldock had joined Greek club Panathinaikos earlier this summer after spending seven years with Sheffield United.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- BBNaija: It Was All Part of the Game – Kassia Apologies to Toby Forge
- Has Protest Lost Its Potency In Nigeria?
- ‘PDP Is dead, APC Has Finished Nigeria’ –Kwankwaso
“We can confirm that George has sadly passed away,” a family statement said.
“As a family we are in shock at this terrible loss.”
“We are shocked, we are shocked by the loss of our George,” Panathinaikos said in a statement. “The family of Panathinaikos mourns his untimely death. We stand with the family and loved ones of George Baldock.”
Sheffield United also expressed their shock at the news, saying: “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.”
Baldock had featured in four matches for Panathinaikos, including starting in their goalless draw against Olympiakos on Sunday.
He earned 12 caps for Greece, qualifying to represent the country through his grandmother. Although Greece is set to play England in the Nations League on Thursday, Baldock had not been included in the squad for the match.
In a statement, the Greece national team expressed their grief, saying: “With profound sadness and sorrow, the national team and the Greek Football Federation bid farewell to George Baldock.
“There are no words to describe the human pain caused by the news of the unexpected loss of one of our own, young, man. The moment forces silence. Condolences to his family. Condolences from his second family.”
Baldock began his career at MK Dons in 2009, where he made over 100 appearances for the club.
During his time there, he had loan spells with several teams, including Northampton and Oxford United, before making the move to Sheffield United in 2017.
FURTHER READING
- ‘PDP Is dead, APC Has Finished Nigeria’ –Kwankwaso
- Arsenal Beat PSG To Get First Champions League Win
- Has Protest Lost Its Potency In Nigeria?
Baldock went on to play 219 games across all competitions for Sheffield United, playing a key role in their promotions to the Premier League in both 2019 and 2023.
Born in Buckingham, Baldock chose to represent Greece in May 2022, receiving his first call-up to the national team under manager Gus Poyet.
He made his international debut the following month in a 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland at Windsor Park in Belfast.
Click here to watch our video of the week
Advertise or Publish a Story on EkoHot Blog:
Kindly contact us at [email protected]. Breaking stories should be sent to the above email and substantiated with pictorial evidence.
Citizen journalists will receive a token as data incentive.
Call or Whatsapp: 0803 561 7233, 0703 414 5611