Greece Defender George Baldock Passes Away at 31

Greek football was in shock on Thursday following the death of George Baldock, a Panathinaikos and Greece international, with tributes pouring in from even the country’s usually rival fans.

The 31-year-old right-back, who was a former Sheffield United player in the Premier League, was found dead on Wednesday evening in a swimming pool at his home in the Glyfada suburb of southern Athens.

“We can confirm that George has sadly passed away. As a family we are in shock at this terrible loss,” his family said in a statement.

News of Baldock’s death dominated social media, with the top-tier Super League and various clubs offering condolences even before Panathinaikos released their own statement.

Fans from rival clubs also expressed their sorrow over the loss of George Baldock, a player who was genuinely well-liked.

State TV ERT reported that Baldock was found “at the bottom of the pool,” and a bottle of vodka was discovered at the scene.

His wife, who was abroad, alerted the homeowner after failing to reach him by phone.

As police cars and an ambulance arrived, several Panathinaikos players gathered outside the building, and a coroner was summoned.

ERT noted that a preliminary examination revealed no signs of foul play, indicating that Baldock had been dead for about five hours when found.

The home showed no signs of forced entry.

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

Of Greek descent through his father, he was called up to the Greek national team in 2022 by then-manager Gus Poyet.

He earned 12 caps but had not been selected for the team’s Nations League match against England at Wembley on Thursday due to injury, ERT reported.