Former Sheffield United defender George Baldock has died at the age of 31,Super League Greece has announced.
Greece international Baldock signed for Panathinaikos this summer after a seven-year spell at Bramall Lane, making his debut in August.
The full-back, who was not named in the Greece squad to face England on Thursday, featured in Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Olympiacos.
According to reports in Greece, Baldock’s body was found at his home in the Athens suburb of Glyfada.
A Super League Greece statement read: “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.”
England international and former Sheffield United player Harry Maguire posted “RIP” and a heartbreak emoji alongside an image of Baldock on Instagram.
Northampton, where Baldock had a loan spell in 2011, wrote on X: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former loanee George Baldock at the tragically young age of 31.
“George made five appearances in 2011 before playing for Oxford United and Sheffield United. Sending our sincerest condolences to George’s family and friends.”
Baldock was born in England and started his professional career at MK Dons, where he spent eight years.
After several loan moves to clubs including Tamworth, Oxford United and Northampton, the defender made a permanent move to Sheffield United in 2017.
He would go on to make more than 200 appearances for the Blades – including 83 outings in the Premier League, where he scored two goals and registered six assists – before joining Greek side Panathinaikos this summer.
The defender, capped by the Greek national side on 12 occasions, made four appearances this season across all competitions.