George Baldock dead aged 31: Shock as former Premier League star found dead in pool five months after leaving England

FORMER Premier League star George Baldock has tragically been found dead in his swimming pool at the age of 31.

The former Sheffield United defender was discovered at his home in Greece, where he played for Panathinaikos.

Greek media report his wife, who lives in England, was trying to track him down but she couldn’t find him and started to worry.

She then informed the owner of the house in Glyfada, Athens, to check the property, where he was reportedly found dead in the swimming pool.

Police are now investigating and were pictured outside his home later in the evening.

Born in Buckinghamshire, Baldock had Greek roots through his gran and played for the country 12 times.

He graduated from MK Dons’ youth set-up while he also played for Oxford United, Tamworth and Northampton Town before making his name with Sheffield United.

He starred for the Blades between 2017 and 2024, making more than 219 appearances and earning the nickname Furious George due to his aggressive all-action style.

He once told the Sheffield Star: “Since I came to this club, I quickly realised that the tougher the opposition, the more you had to find a way to get an edge over your opponent.

“I just love winning. I hate losing and I even hate drawing.”

Manchester United star Harry Maguire – who graduated through the Blades’ youth team before leaving in 2014 – paid tribute by posting a picture of Baldock on his Instagram page with a broken heart emoji.

Baldock joined Panathinaikos from the Yorkshire club this summer.

He had made four appearances for them this season, including three in the league.

His most recent appearance came against Olympiacos on October 6.

Baldock missed out on the latest Greece squad, which is due to play England in the Nations League at Wembley on Thursday night.

He had been ruled out of the September games against Finland and Ireland through injury.

The Greek national team are expected to wear black armbands for the match against the Three Lions.

His club greyed out its website and social media icons on Instagram and X, formerly Twitter, following the news.

They later released a statement which read: “We are shocked by the loss of our George.

“The family of Panathinaikos mourns his untimely death. We stand with the family and loved ones of George Baldock.”

In a statement Sheffield United said: “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.”

Prince Abdullah, the United owner, posted: “Devastating news, Speechless … My condolences to his family and to all of us who loved him.”

His former club Northampton released a statement paying tribute to Baldock.

It read: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former loanee George Baldock at the tragically young age of 31.

“George made 5 appearances in 2011 before playing for Oxford United and Sheffield United.

“Sending our sincerest condolences to George’s family and friends.”

The Greece Super League said in a statement: “The entire Super League football family expresses its deep sorrow for the untimely loss of Panathinaikos and our National Team footballer, George Baldock, and extends its deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”

A statement from the England team said: “We’re extremely saddened by the passing of George Baldock.

“George was close to many of our players, and represented Greece – our opponents on Thursday night.

“We’re thinking of George’s family, friends and team-mates at club and country at this difficult time.”

His older brother Sam played for Brighton, Reading and Derby, with the clubs paying tribute to George’s passing on social media.