Chelsea and England defender Ben Chilwell has paid tribute to his former team-mate George Baldock, who tragically died at the age of 31, while his family say they are ‘in shock’ after his untimely passing.
The former Premier League defender, who was playing for Greek club Panathinaikos in Athens, was discovered after his wife back home in England had been unable to get hold of him for several hours, local newspapers report.
The owner of his luxury property was reportedly contacted and apparently found him in the pool. The emergency services were called and arrived in nine minutes, but he could not be revived.
Baldock had moved to Panathinaikos this summer after playing for Sheffield United for seven seasons, winning two promotions to the English top-flight.
Former teammates and friends including Chilwell have led tributes to the footballer. The Blues defender played with Baldock during their time at MK Dons. He wrote on Instagram: ‘From hitting the bars together when we were younger in MK, to playing eachother in the Premier League. I am heartbroken. Rest in peace mate.’
Former Sheffield United defender George Baldock has died at the age of 31 in Greece
Chelsea and England defender Ben Chilwell paid tribute to Baldock, who he played with during their time together at MK Dons
Chilwell and Baldock played together at MK Dons before facing eachother in the Premier League
In a statement, his family asked for privacy at this sad time and said they are in shock after Baldock’s death.
‘We can confirm that George has sadly passed away. As a family we are in shock at this terrible loss. We ask please that the media respect our privacy at this time.’ The statement read.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire also paid tribute to the defender, simply posting ‘RIP’, alongside a broken heart emoji. Southampton fullback Kyle Walker-Peters wrote; Horrible news. RIP George.
Ex-Blades goalkeeper Dean Henderson also took to social media and commented on X: ‘RIP. Blades legend!!!’
On Thursday, the Premier League said they are ‘deeply saddened’ to learn of the footballer’s passing.
‘The Premier League is deeply saddened by the passing of former Sheffield United defender George Baldock.’ A post from the league’s official X account read. ‘Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this incredibly sad time.’
Baldock would have likely played for his country at Wembley against England tonight but was currently injured. Despite being born in Buckinghamshire, he played for Greece 12 times after qualifying to represent the country through his grandmother.
Greece have confirmed that they will wear black armbands for the Nations League fixture at 7.45pm.
He started his career at MK Dons and played in all of England’s top five divisions.
Baldock was living in this property in the Greek capital after a move to club giant Panathinaikos
The scene where former Sheffield United defender George Baldock was found dead in his swimming pool in Athens, Greece
England defender Harry Maguire was among the first to react, writing ‘RIP’ on Instagram
Baldock waves farewell to the fans ahead of the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Tottenham Hotspur at Bramall Lane
A heartbroken Sheffield United paid tribute to their former player as they announced the news to their fans.
‘Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock,’ they posted on X.
‘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.’
Baldock’s wife reportedly tried to contact him for several hours without a response, before she got in touch with the owner of his villa in Glyfada, a suburb south of Athens.
After searching the suburban property, they found Baldock in the communal pool and called the emergency services.
Former Sheffield United goalkeeper Dean Henderson called Baldock a ‘Blades legend’ in his tribute to his old team-mate
A heartbroken Sheffield United paid tribute to their former player as they announced the news to their fans
He was reportedly in the water for several hours before he was found, according to images seen by the response unit.
Northampton Town, where he played five games on loan, wrote on X: ‘We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former loanee George Baldock at the tragically young age of 31.
‘Sending our sincerest condolences to George’s family and friends.’
Panathinaikos appears to have blacked out their logo on their social media in a subtle tribute.
And his boyhood club, MK Dons, said they were ‘devastated’ to hear the news, in an emotional post as they said he ‘will always be one of our own’.
They said: ‘We are deeply devastated and saddened to learn about the shocking news of former Academy graduate and MK Dons player, George Baldock.
‘George started his career at Stadium MK, where he worked his way through the youth ranks and made his senior career debut at the Club before reaching the heights of the Premier League in later years.
The 31-year-old made 12 appearances for Greece after qualifying to play for the nation through his grandmother
‘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.’
