The sudden death of George Baldock, a British-born footballer of Greek descent, has sent shockwaves through the British and Greek football communities. The body of Baldock, who played as a defender for Panathinaikos and Greece, was discovered in his swimming pool at his residence in Glyfada, a suburban area in southern Athens, according to the local police.
Despite attempts made by the police to revive the 31-year-old former Premier League athlete using cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the cause of his demise remains yet unannotated.
Baldock, distinguished by having been selected to represent Greece on twelve occasions, signed up with Panathinaikos only in May. His move came after Sheffield United, his prior club, suffered relegation from the Premier League. Baldock also had stints with MK Dons and Oxford United, both part of the lower league.
Sheffield United expressed their profound shock and deep sadness at the news of his sudden death. Fellow English clubs, similarly, offered their condolences. During his tenure at Bramall Lane, Baldock was a beloved player and had a rewarding seven-year career.
Despite last being seen in action in a 0-0 match against local rivals Olympiakos, he had not been chosen to go up against England at Wembley for Greece’s Nations League squad.
The Hellenic Football Federation and the Greek national team shared a heartfelt tribute to George Baldock on their Facebook portal.
Fellow footballer Harry Maguire, who plays for England and Manchester United and also had an association with Sheffield United, took to Instagram with a heartfelt tribute to Baldock, posting his photograph along with a broken heart emoji and the words RIP.