Former Sheffield United star George Baldock has passed away at the age of 31, with his body reportedly found in his swimming pool at home in Greece.
Baldock made over 200 appearances for Sheffield United and was a key part of two promotions to the Premier League, before moving to Athens in May where he signed a three-year contract with Panathinaikos.
Sheffield United confirmed the tragic news, releasing a statement which read: "Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock.
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"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.
A statement from the Greek Super League similarly 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.”
Greek outlet Sport24 have been among various publications in the country to claim that Baldock's wife, who lives in England, attempted to make contact with her husband but could not reach him.
A mutual friend was said to have been asked to check up on him before Baldock was reportedly found dead in his swimming pool in Glyfada, southern Athens.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has led tributes to Baldock, with the former Sheffield United man and now England international taking to Instagram to post a picture of Baldock, captioned "RIP" with a heartbroken emoji.
Northampton Town, one of Baldock's former clubs, made a heartfelt post about the right-back which read: "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 before playing for Oxford United and Sheffield United. Sending our sincerest condolences to George’s family and friends."
The Greek national team's X (formerly known as Twitter) account mourned Baldock's loss by turning their profile picture blank.
Born in England, Baldock represented the Greek national team through his grandmother and made 12 caps for his country after a debut in June 2022.
His final appearance came in the Panathinaikos - Olympiacos derby, where he played 75 minutes as his team kept their fierce rivals to a 0-0 draw on Sunday, October 6.
Greece are set to face England on Thursday but Baldock was not named in Ivan Jovanovic's squad to face the Three Lions and the Republic of Ireland this week due to a reported thigh injury.
The Greek Football Federation have made a request to UEFA to allow players to wear black armbands in their next two matches to honour Baldock after his sudden passing.
Baldock had previously played for MK Dons, where he started his career and made 125 appearances, while also turning out for Oxford United, Tamworth, Northampton Town and Icelandic side IBV throughout his career.
