Former Sheffield United defender George Baldock dies aged 31

Former Sheffield United defender George Baldock has died at the age of 31, Super League Greece has announced.

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

The full-back, who was not named in the Greece squad to face England on Thursday, featured in Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Olympiacos.

A Super League Greece statement 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.”

Σύσσωμη η ποδοσφαιρική οικογένεια της Super League εκφράζει τη βαθιά οδύνη της για την αδόκητη απώλεια του ποδοσφαιριστή του Παναθηναϊκού και της Εθνικής μας Ομάδας, Τζορτζ Μπάλντοκ και απευθύνει θερμά συλλυπητήρια στην οικογένεια και τους οικείους του.#slgr pic.twitter.com/ToE2kBMpZH

— Super League Greece (@Super_League_GR) October 9, 2024

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.”