Football World Mourns as Greek Defender George Baldock Dies at 31

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

The football world was struck with grief on Thursday, following the tragic death of Panathinaikos and Greece international defender George Baldock.

The 31-year-old right-back, a former Sheffield United star in the Premier League, was found dead in the swimming pool of his home in Glyfada, a suburb in southern Athens, on Wednesday evening.

Baldock’s family, in a brief statement, expressed their devastation: “We can confirm that George has sadly passed away. As a family, we are in shock at this terrible loss.”

The news spread rapidly across social media, with tributes pouring in from the Greek Super League, Panathinaikos, and rival fans alike.

Baldock, known for his likable personality and tenacious playing style, united even fans from traditionally hostile clubs in mourning his death.

State TV ERT reported that Baldock was found at the bottom of his pool with a bottle of vodka nearby. According to reports from ANA, Baldock’s wife, who was abroad at the time, raised the alarm after failing to reach him by phone. Upon receiving her call, the property’s owner discovered Baldock and notified the authorities.

Police and paramedics were immediately dispatched to the scene, with several of Baldock’s Panathinaikos teammates arriving outside the residence as events unfolded. Initial examinations revealed no signs of foul play, and it was estimated that Baldock had been deceased for around five hours before being found. No evidence of forced entry was observed.

Baldock had joined Panathinaikos in May following a seven-year stint at Sheffield United. His career at Sheffield United was marked by passion and dedication, earning him the nickname “Furious George” due to his uncompromising style of play. Baldock was also of Greek descent through his father and earned 12 caps for the Greece national team after being called up by former coach Gus Poyet in 2022.

Although injured and unable to participate in Greece’s Nations League match against England at Wembley on Thursday, the Hellenic Football Federation paid tribute, describing Baldock as “one of our own.”

The federation has requested that Greek players wear black armbands during the match in his honor.

Baldock’s death has sent shockwaves beyond Greece. Manchester United’s Harry Maguire, a former Sheffield United teammate, shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, while Sheffield United itself updated its website with a black-and-white photo of Baldock, stating: “RIP George Baldock.”

Other clubs connected to Baldock’s early career also expressed their sadness. Northampton Town, where Baldock had a loan spell in 2011, tweeted: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former loanee George Baldock at the tragically young age of 31.” MK Dons, his boyhood club, described themselves as “devastated” and added: “You will always be one of our own, George.”

The Football Association in England also posted a tribute, sending condolences to Baldock’s family, friends, and teammates.