England and Harry Maguire lead tributes to George Baldock after former Premier League star’s shock death aged 31

HARRY MAGUIRE and Sheffield United led the tributes to George Baldock after his shock death.

Former Sheffield United defender Baldock, 31, was found dead at his home in Athens, just months after his transfer to Panathinaikos from the Yorkshire club.

Greek media reported the alarm was raised by Baldock’s wife, who lives in England, after she was unable to contact him.

She then asked the home owner to check up on him before he was found dead in his swimming pool.

Baldock was a 12-time Greece international who was eligible to play for them through his gran.

His tragic passing has sent shockwaves through the football world, with players, clubs and national teams alike paying tribute.

In a statement Sheffield United, whom Baldock had starred for from 2017 to July of this year, said: “Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock.

“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.”

Manchester United star Harry Maguire – who graduated through the Blade youth team before leaving in 2014 – paid tribute by posting a picture of Baldock on his Instagram page with a broken heart emoji.

His club greyed out its website and social media icons on Instagram and X, formerly Twitter, following the news.

They later released a statement which read: “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.”

His most recent appearance had come against Olympiacos on October 6.

Baldock missed out on the most recent Greece international squad, who are due to play England in the Nations League at Wembley on Thursday night, and had been ruled out of the September games against Finland and Ireland through injury.

The Greek national team are expected to wear black armbands for the match against the Three Lions.

His former club Northampton released a statement paying tribute to Baldock.

It 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.”

A statement from the England team said: “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.”

His older brother, Sam, played for Derby, Reading and Brighton during his career, and all three clubs paid tribute to Baldock’s passing.

A Derby statement said: “Everyone at Derby County is deeply saddened by the passing of George Baldock.

“The thoughts and condolences of all at the club are with his brother and former Derby striker Sam, his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.”

A Reading statement said: “Everyone at Reading Football Club is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of George Baldock.

“A brother to former Royal Sam, our thoughts are with George’s family, friends and former colleagues at this difficult time.”

A Brighton statement said: “We are shocked to learn of the passing of George Baldock at the age of 31.

“Our love and condolences are with George’s brother and our colleague Sam, and his family and friends at this time.”

The Greece Super League said in a statement: “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.”

Sports presenter Ian Abrahams said: “Unbelieveably tragic news tonight, the passing at just 31 of former ⁦Sheffield United, MK Dons, Oxford United, Northampton Town⁩ defender George Baldock.

“My thoughts at this incredibly sad time to his brother Sam, family and friends. RIP my friend.”

Police were pictured outside of his home following his death and are currently investigating.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk