Super League Greece has expressed profound sorrow following the untimely passing of George Baldock, a player for Panathinaikos and the Greek national football team. The organization conveyed its heartfelt condolences to Baldock’s family and loved ones in a statement.
Formerly a defender for Sheffield United, Baldock tragically passed away at the age of 31, as confirmed by Super League Greece. He had recently signed with Panathinaikos this summer after a notable seven-year tenure at Bramall Lane, making his debut in August.
In a heartfelt tribute shared on Instagram, Panathinaikos lamented, “We are shocked by the loss of our George. The Panathinaikos family mourns his unexpected passing. We stand in solidarity with his family and relatives.”
Although Baldock was not included in the Greece squad for the upcoming match against England on Thursday, he participated in Sunday’s 0-0 draw against Olympiacos. Reports indicate that his body was discovered at his residence in Glyfada, an Athens suburb.
The Super League Greece statement emphasized, “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.”
The Greek Football Federation also released a poignant message, stating, “With deep sadness and pain, the National Team and the Hellenic Football Federation bid farewell to George Baldock. Words cannot adequately convey the sorrow caused by the news of the untimely loss of one of our young talents. This moment calls for silence. Our condolences to his family and from his second family. Farewell.”
Harry Maguire, an England international and former Sheffield United teammate, shared his grief on Instagram, posting “RIP” alongside a heartbroken emoji and an image of Baldock.
Northampton, where Baldock had a loan spell in 2011, expressed their sadness on X, stating, “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 continuing his career at Oxford United and Sheffield United. We send our sincerest condolences to George’s family and friends.”
Baldock began his professional journey in England at MK Dons, where he spent eight years. Following several loan spells at clubs such as Tamworth, Oxford United, and Northampton, he secured a permanent move to Sheffield United in 2017. Over his time with the Blades, he made more than 200 appearances, including 83 in the Premier League, during which he scored two goals and provided six assists. This summer, he joined Greek club Panathinaikos, where he had made four appearances across all competitions this season, earning 12 caps for the Greek national team.