- George Baldock found dead in swimming pool at his home in Glyfada, southern Athens
- Emergency responders unable to revive Greek international at scene
- 31-year-old Baldock joined Panathinaikos in the summer after seven years at Sheffield United
Former Sheffield United defender George Baldock has died at the age of 31.
Baldock, who spent seven years at Bramall Lane before joining Greek giants Panathinaikos this summer, was found dead in the swimming pool of his home in Glyfada, southern Athens.
"We can confirm that George has sadly passed away," a family statement said. "As a family we are in shock at this terrible loss."
Panathinaikos released their own statement late on Wednesday, posting on social media: "We are shocked, 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."
Baldock was born in England but represented Greece on the international stage – he qualified through his maternal grandmother – making 12 appearances following his debut in June 2022.
He forged a successful Premier League career with Sheffield United, having joined from the club from MK Dons in 2017, and played every single game of the Blades' maiden campaign back in the top flight - the 2019/20 season that saw Chris Wilder's side survive relegation.
In total, he played 205 times for Sheffield United in the Premier League and Championship before joining Panathinaikos on a free transfer after penning a three-year contract.
Expressing their sadness at Baldock's passing, Sheffield United wrote in a post on social media: "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."
The Greek national team also released a statement reading: "With profound sadness and sorrow, the national team and the Greek Football Federation bid farewell to George Baldock.
"There are no words to describe the human pain caused by the news of the unexpected loss of one of our own, young, man. The moment forces silence. Condolences to his family. Condolences from his second family."
