‘Heartbroken’ Ben Chilwell leads tributes to George Baldock after his tragic passing aged 31 having partied with the ex-Premier League star when they were younger – as his family state their shock at ‘their terrible loss’
Chelsea and England defender Ben Chilwell has paid tribute to his former teammate George Baldock, who tragically died aged 31, as his family say they are ‘in shock’ following his untimely passing.
The former Premier League defender, who played for Greek club Panathinaikos in Athens, was discovered after his wife could not get hold of him at home in England for hours, local newspapers reported.
The owner of his luxury home was reportedly contacted and apparently found him in the pool. Emergency services were called and arrived within nine minutes, but he could not be resuscitated.
Baldock had moved to Panathinaikos this summer after playing for Sheffield United for seven seasons and twice being promoted to the English top flight.
Former teammates and friends, including Chilwell, have paid tribute to the footballer. The Blues defender played with Baldock during their time at MK Dons. He wrote on Instagram: ‘From going to the bar together when we were younger in MK, to playing against each other in the Premier League. I’m devastated. Rest in peace, buddy.’
Former Sheffield United defender George Baldock has died in Greece at the age of 31
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 each other in the Premier League
In a statement, his family asked for privacy at this sad time and said they are in shock following Baldock’s death.
“We can confirm that George has sadly passed away. As a family we are shocked by this terrible loss. We please ask that the media respect our privacy at this time.” Read the statement.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire also paid tribute to the defender by simply posting ‘RIP’ alongside a broken heart emoji. Southampton full-back Kyle Walker-Peters wrote; Horrible news. RIP Georges.
Ex-Blades goalkeeper Dean Henderson also took to social media and commented on X: ‘RIP. Blades legend!!!’
On Thursday, the Premier League said it was ‘deeply saddened’ by the footballer’s death.
‘The Premier League is deeply saddened by the passing of former Sheffield United defender George Baldock.’ Read a message from the league’s official X account. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this incredibly sad time.”
Baldock would likely have played for his country against England at Wembley tonight but was currently injured. Despite being born in Buckinghamshire, he played twelve times for Greece after qualifying to represent the country through his grandmother.
Greece has confirmed it will wear black armbands during the Nations League match at 7.45pm.
He started his career with MK Dons and played in all of England’s top five divisions.
Baldock lived in this building in the Greek capital after moving 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 one of the first to respond, writing ‘RIP’ on Instagram
Baldock says goodbye to 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 by 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 hugely popular with supporters, staff and teammates who donned a red and white shirt alongside him.
“The sincere condolences from everyone involved with Sheffield United go out to George’s family and friends.”
Baldock’s wife reportedly tried to contact him for hours with no response, before contacting the owner of his villa in Glyfada, a suburb south of Athens.
After searching the suburban property, they found Baldock in the communal swimming pool and called emergency services.
Former Sheffield United goalkeeper Dean Henderson called Baldock a ‘Blades legend’ in his tribute to his old teammate
A heartbroken Sheffield United paid tribute to their former player as they announced the news to their fans
According to footage from the response unit, he was reportedly in the water for several hours before being found.
Northampton Town, where he played five games on loan, wrote on X: ‘We are deeply saddened by the passing of former loanee George Baldock at the tragically young age of 31.
“We send our sincere condolences to George’s family and friends.”
Panathinaikos appears to have blacked out their logo on their social media as a subtle tribute.
And his boyhood club, MK Dons, said they were ‘devastated’ when they heard the news, in an emotional post saying he will ‘always be one of our own’.
They said: ‘We are deeply devastated and saddened by the shocking news from 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 with 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 country through his grandmother
“Everyone associated with MK Dons shares a great love for George, Sam and the Baldock family, and we would like to share our sincere condolences at these terrible times.
“You’ll always be one of us, George.”