- Panathinaikos and Greece footballer George Baldock died at the age of 31
- The former Sheffield United star was found dead in a swimming pool at his home
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England international stars Dele Alli and Dean Henderson were among those leading the mourning at the funeral of tragic footballer George Baldock today.
Former Sheffield United cult hero Baldock – who was 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, aged 31.
He had been playing for Panathinaikos since joining the 20-time Greek champions from the Blades in May but remained a fans’ favourite back home.
There was a packed turnout paying tribute to Baldock at this afternoon’s ceremony in Milton Keynes, with former Tottenham Hotspur and Everton playmaker Dele arriving with his head bowed – after posting an emotional social media message in response to Baldock’s death.
Others paying their respects to the player affectionately nicknamed ‘Starman’ and ‘Furious George’ included Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder and Baldock’s former Blades teammate Oliver McBurnie.
Baldock made more than 400 appearances in English football and spent seven seasons with Sheffield United until this summer, winning two promotions.
He was found unresponsive in his pool after his partner, who was in the UK, reportedly raised the alarm because he was not answering his phone.
Police investigating the drowning of the 31-year-old recovered CCTV showing him in the pool at his Greek luxury apartment, as sources said it showed him swimming vigorously, before suddenly stopping and then sinking.
The CCTV from a neighbouring property captured half the pool and showed him entering the water at about 6.45 in the evening, hours before his body was found.
Baldock’s family released a statement, revealing the footballer was due to fly home to celebrate his son’s first birthday – and describing how they now ‘mourn his loss’.
Paying tribute, they addressed Baldock, saying: ‘You were the most special father, fiancé, son, brother, uncle, friend, teammate and person.
‘Your enthusiasm and infectious personality brought so much love to those that were fortunate enough to know you and those that adored you from the stands’.
The family went on to say ‘it was impossible not to love him’, as they asked members of the public for privacy at this ‘devastating time’.
England and Greece paid an emotional tribute to Baldock ahead of their Nations League match at Wembley earlier this month.
Players from both teams observed a minute’s silence before the match at Wembley.
A shirt with Baldock’s name was held up by the Greek national team as part of the touching tribute ahead of kick-off.
Earlier this month, Dele paid tribute to Baldock – his colleague at MK Dons between 2011 and 2015 – via an emotional post on social media.
He wrote on Instagram: ‘No words I could type or pictures I could use would ever be enough.
‘May your spirit, ambition, determination and humility live on through those who had the honour of knowing you! I love you brother and will miss you forever!
‘My thoughts, prayers and heart goes out to your family. Rest in peace Balders.’
Meanwhile, Henderson – who played with Baldock at Sheffield United – stood on the touchline and paid his respects during a minute’s silence for Baldock prior to that clash between England and Greece earlier this month.
Baldock was born in Buckinghamshire and played more than 400 times in English football but earned 12 caps for Greece after qualifying through his grandmother.
Earlier this month, the Hellenic Football Federation said: ‘With deep sadness and pain, the National Team and the Hellenic Football Federation say goodbye to George Baldock.
‘There are no words to describe the human pain caused by the news of the untimely loss of one of our young people. The moment calls for silence.
‘Condolences to his family. Condolences from his second family. Goodbye’.
Panathinaikos also paid tribute, writing: ‘We are overwhelmed, we are shocked by the loss of our George. The family of Panathinaikos mourns his untimely death. We stand by the family and relatives of George Baldock.’
Sheffield United posted on X, formerly Twitter: ‘Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock.
‘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.’
His boyhood club MK Dons said they were ‘devastated’ to hear the news of his loss, in a statement – describing how Baldock ‘will always be one of our own’.
