Former Premier League player George Baldock has tragically passed away at the age of 31.
The former Sheffield United defender was found dead in his swimming pool in Greece on Wednesday. according to local media reports.
Baldock, who was born in England, earned 12 caps for Greece and qualified to represent the nation through his grandmother.
He moved to Greece to play club football this summer and joined one of their biggest teams in Panathinaikos of Sheffield United.
The defender previously spent seven years at Bramall Lane, making 219 appearances for the Blades.
He made four appearances for Panathinaikos this season, with his most recent outing coming on October 6.
A statement from the Greek Super League read: “The entire Super League football family expresses its deep sorrow at the untimely loss of Panathinaikos and our national team footballer, George Baldock, and extends its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Baldock's career began with MK Donswhere he played alongside his brother Sam at the club.
He also represented Oxford UnitedTamworth and City of Northampton before moving to Sheffield United in 2017.
The defender played a key role in the club's impressive 2019/20 Premier League season, when they finished an impressive ninth place.
Baldock featured 83 times in the Premier League for Sheffield United before leaving this summer.
He missed Greece's selection for this international window, where he could have faced England on Thursday.
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Baldock was also absent from the national team during the September matches against Finland and Ireland due to injury.
Harry Maguire He was one of those who reacted to the tragic news.
He manchester united and the England defender shared a photo of Baldock on Instagram with the words 'RIP' and a broken heart emoji.
Sheffield United also paid tribute to their former defender in a touching social media post.
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“Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player George Baldock,” the club wrote.
“The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was hugely popular with fans, staff and team-mates who wore a red and white shirt alongside him.
“The sincere condolences of everyone associated with Sheffield United are extended to George's family and friends.”
Northampton Town, where Baldock spent part of the 2011/12 season, wrote: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former loanee George Baldock at the tragic age of 31.”
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“George made 5 appearances in 2011 on loan from MK Dons before playing for Oxford and Sheff Utd. We send our deepest condolences to George's family and friends.”
Baldock's brother Sam retired from football in 2023 and is now a development coach at Brighton.
“We are shocked to learn of the passing of George Baldock at the age of 31,” Brighton said in a statement on X.
“Our love and condolences go out to George's brother and our colleague Sam, as well as his family and friends at this time.”
