Chelsea and Panathinaikos fans pay emotional tribute to George Baldock ahead of Conference League clash – after footballer tragically died in Greece aged 31
Chelsea and Panthinaikos supporters have paid emotional tribute to George Baldock ahead of their Europa Conference League match.
The former Sheffield United star – born in England but played international football for Greece since 2022 – was found dead in a swimming pool at his home near Athens on October 9.
He has played for Panathinaikos since joining the 20-time Greek champions from the Blades in May.
Now the Greek side have remembered their former player in the first home game after his death, by holding up signs with his shirt number 32 written on them.
During the heartbreaking tribute, the stadium PA system played the song Starman, referring to his nickname, over the loudspeakers.
Chelsea and Panthinaikos supporters have paid emotional tribute to George Baldock
Baldock imagined himself playing for Panathinaikos earlier this month, just days before his death
Baldock pictured in 2020 playing for Sheffield United in the Premier League
Ahead of the match, Chelsea paid their respects to the right-back with a special post on
The Argentinian midfielder is flanked by other West London stars.
During the international break, the Greek match against Ireland on Sunday was preceded by a minute’s silence, which was immaculately observed by both groups of fans.
Baldock’s former international teammates also held up a shirt with his name and number printed on it during their pre-match team photo.
News of Baldock’s death emerged less than 24 hours before Greece’s away match against England in London on Thursday.
Greece won that match 2-1 before celebrating at Wembley by holding up a shirt with Baldock’s name on it.
“George, this is for you!” defender Lazaros Rota shouted into the camera at the end of the match.
The Greek players pose for a team photo ahead of the match against Ireland, displaying the shirt of the late George Baldock after his death at the age of 31
Ireland players pictured during a minute’s silence before their match in Piraeus
There were also pre-match tributes during the match at Wembley, where both groups of players wore black armbands and observed another minute’s silence.
Manchester City youngster James McAtee – who played alongside Baldock during a loan spell at Sheffield United – then dedicated his two goals to his late former teammate after starring in England U21’s 2-1 win over Ukraine on Friday.
Baldock started his career at MK Dons. The Buckinghamshire club paid tribute to him ahead of their League Two match at home to Port Vale.