Manchester United star Harry Maguire was among those to lead the tributes to George Baldock, who has passed away at the age of 31, having reportedly been found dead in his swimming pool in Greece.
Baldock featured over 200 times for Sheffield United before securing a move to Greek side Panathinaikos in the summer.
The Championship side confirmed the news via a statement on X, posting: “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.”
Maguire was among those from the world of professional football leading the tributes, with the 31-year-old posting a photo of him, captioned “RIP” on Instagram.
Ex-Arsenal ace and current Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson said: Terrible news! RIP George Baldock [red love heart emoji].”
The official England national team’s X account 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.”
While the Greek national team added: “With deep sadness and pain, the National Team and the Hellenic Football Federation say goodbye to George Baldock.
“There are no words to describe the human pain caused by the news of the untimely loss of one of our young people. The moment calls for silence. Condolences to his family. Condolences from his second family. Goodbye.”
Former team-mate JJ O’Donnell posted: “From playing alongside him as a young lad at MK Dons, to playing against him years later when he was on loan at Tamworth.
“A good lad who went on to do very well for himself in the game. So so sad seeing he’s passed away so young. RIP George Baldock.”
The Greek Super League also offered their condolences, 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.”
One of Baldock’s former clubs Northampton Town added: “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.”
Baldock started his career at MK Dons, where he made over 100 appearances for the club.
During his eight years with the Milton Keynes-based outfit, Baldock enjoyed several loan spells, including stints at Northampton, Oxford United and Icelandic side IBV.
But it was with Sheffield United where he made his name, spending a further seven years with the Yorkshire-based side between 2017 and 2024.
Baldock was of Greek descent because of his grandmother and made his full debut for the country in a 1-0 win over Northern Ireland in June 2022.
