British Footballer George Baldock Found Dead in Athens

George Baldock, a prominent British-born footballer who played for Panathinaikos and represented the Greek national football team, has died at the age of 31, Greece’s Ministry of Citizen Protection confirmed to CNN. Baldock’s body was discovered in a swimming pool at his home in the upscale Athens suburb of Glyfada, according to police sources cited by Reuters.

The Greek Ministry of Citizen Protection stated that “A forensic pathologist was called to the scene and examined the body, finding no signs of criminal activity. The police conducted a search of the residence and ruled out breaking and entering.” A specialized team from the Police’s Forensic Investigations Directorate further corroborated the absence of criminal activity.

Athens-based football club Panathinaikos, where Baldock had recently signed a three-year contract, expressed their grief in a public statement: “We are shocked, we feel appalled by the loss of our George. The family of Panathinaikos mourns his sudden death. We stand with the family and loved ones of George Baldock.”

Baldock, who represented Greece 12 times in his international career, was mourned by the Greek national team as well, who announced his death “with deep sympathy and pain.” Their statement read: “There are no words to describe the human pain which news of this untimely loss of one of our own has caused. The moment calls for silence. Condolences to his family. Condolences from his second family. Goodbye…”

The player began his career at MK Dons and later joined clubs such as Oxford United and Northampton Town. He gained significant recognition during his tenure with Sheffield United in the Premier League. Upon hearing the news, Sheffield United issued a statement acknowledging Baldock’s popularity: “The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extremely popular with supporters, staff and team-mates.”

In a personal reflection, Baldock’s fiancée, Annabel Dignam, paid tribute to him, describing him as her “soulmate” and “the perfect Dad” to their young son Brody. Expressing her loss, she shared that Baldock was due to fly back to Britain to celebrate his birthday with their family in Sheffield.

Authorities have recovered CCTV footage showing Baldock swimming in his pool in the hours leading up to his death. The footage, which captured part of the pool, shows him entering the water vigorously before he suddenly stops and sinks. His family confirmed a post-mortem examination attributed his death to drowning, although toxicology reports are still pending.

Both England and Greece held a minute’s silence in Baldock’s honor before their recent match at Wembley. Players from both teams wore black armbands as a tribute. Meanwhile, condolences poured in from former clubs and teammates who remembered Baldock for his passion and spirit on the field.