Football mourns Greek defender George Baldock’s shock death

Athens: Greek football was in shock today at the death of Panathinaikos and Greece international George Baldock, with tributes uniting even the country’s usually hostile rival fans.

The 31-year-old English-born right-back – a former Sheffield United stalwart in the Premier League – was found dead yesterday evening in a swimming pool at his home in the southern Athens suburb of Glyfada.

The Tragic Circumstances of His Death

According to state TV ERT, Baldock was “at the bottom of the pool” and a bottle of vodka was found at the scene. His wife, who is abroad, alerted the owner of the residence after unsuccessfully trying to reach the player on the phone.

Police cars and an ambulance were dispatched to the scene, and several Panathinaikos players gathered outside the building. A coroner was called, and a first examination did not reveal signs of foul play, with the player having been dead for about five hours when he was found.

A Footballer Well-Loved by Fans and Peers

Baldock joined Panathinaikos in May after a seven-year spell with Sheffield United, relegated from the English Premier League to the Championship last season.

Of Greek origin through his father, he was called up by the Greek national team in 2022 by then-manager Gus Poyet. He had 12 caps, but had not been selected for the team’s Nations League match against England at Wembley today because of injury, ERT said.

Tributes Pour In from Fellow Footballers and Clubs

Baldock’s death has dominated social media, with the top-flight Super League and clubs sending condolences even before Panathinaikos posted their own statement.

Fans from clubs hostile to Panathinaikos have expressed grief at the loss of a genuinely well-liked player.

Manchester United’s England international defender Harry Maguire, a former Sheffield United player, posted “RIP” and a heartbreak emoji alongside an image of Baldock on Instagram.

Sheffield United changed their homepage to a black and white photo of their former player with the words: “RIP George Baldock.”

The Greek federation called Baldock “one of our own” and has requested that Greece’s players wear black armbands for the game.

Conclusion

George Baldock’s sudden and tragic death has sent shockwaves throughout the football community, with tributes pouring in from fellow players, clubs, and fans. His well-loved and respected presence on and off the pitch will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

FAQs

* When and how did George Baldock die? George Baldock died on [insert date] in a swimming pool at his home in the southern Athens suburb of Glyfada.
* What was George Baldock’s football career like? Baldock was a right-back who played for Sheffield United in the Premier League and Panathinaikos in the Greek Super League. He also played for the Greece national team.
* Who has paid tribute to George Baldock? Tributes have come in from fellow footballers, clubs, and fans, including Manchester United’s Harry Maguire, Sheffield United, and the Greek national team.