Former Sheffield United defender George Baldock has tragically died at the age of 31.
The England-born Greece international, who moved to Panathinaikos in the summer, was found dead in his swimming pool at his house in Athens on Wednesday.
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A family statement read: “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.
“George, you were the most special father, fiancé, son, brother, uncle, friend, teammate 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.
“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.”
Baldock was a 12-cap Greece international having qualified to represent the nation through his grandmother.
He moved to Greece to play his club football this summer, joining one of their biggest sides in Panathinaikos from 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 Sunday against Olympiacos.
Baldock missed out on the Greece squad for this international window, where he could have faced England on Thursday.
A statement from the Greece national team read: “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.”
A Panathinaikos statement added: “We are shocked by the loss of our George. The family of Panathinaikos mourns his untimely death. We stand with the family and loved ones of George Baldock,”
The Greek Super League also released a statement, saying: “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.”
Baldock’s career started with MK Dons, where he played alongside his brother Sam for the club.
He also represented Oxford United, Tamworth and Northampton Town before he moved to Sheffield United in 2017.
The defender played a key role in the club’s stunning 2019/20 Premier League season when they finished an impressive 9th.
Baldock featured 83 times in the Premier League for Sheffield United before departing this summer.
Harry Maguire, who came through Sheffield United’s academy, was among those to react to the tragic news.
The Manchester United and England defender shared an Instagram picture of Baldock with the words ‘RIP’ and a broken heart emoji.
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Sheffield United also paid tribute to their former defender in a touching social media post.
“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 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.”
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 tragically young age of 31.”
“George made 5 appearances in 2011 on loan from MK Dons before playing for Oxford and Sheff Utd. Sending our sincerest condolences to George’s family/friends.”
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MK Dons said in a statement: “We are deeply devastated and saddened to learn about the shocking news of former academy graduate and MK Dons player, George Baldock.
“Everyone affiliated with MK Dons shares a great love for George, Sam and the Baldock family, and we would like to share our sincerest condolences during these awful times. You will always be one of our own, George.”
The Football Association also expressed its devastation at Baldock’s death.
“We are devastated to learn of the passing of George Baldock at the age of 31. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with George’s family, friends and team-mates at club and country,” an FA statement read.
An England statement added: “We’re extremely saddened by the passing of George Baldock.
“George was close to many of our players, and represented Greece – our opponents on Thursday night. We’re thinking of George’s family, friends and team-mates at club and country at this difficult time.”
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 are with George’s brother and our colleague Sam, and his family and friends at this time.”
Baldock’s other brother James Baldock is a club doctor at Oxford, who said in a statement: “Oxford United Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock, aged 31.
“The sincere condolences of everyone associated with the Club are extended to James, Sam, his family, and friends.”