Tributes Pour in After Former Rochdale Star Joe Thompson Dies at 36

ROCHDALE, England — Joe Thompson, a former midfielder for Rochdale Football Club, has died at the age of 36 after a courageous battle with cancer. Thompson passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, with his family by his side.

Thompson was first diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013 while playing for Tranmere Rovers. He managed to overcome the illness through chemotherapy but faced a recurrence in 2017. Despite these challenges, he returned to the pitch and achieved a significant milestone by scoring a vital goal that secured Rochdale’s status in League One.

In a statement, Rochdale Football Club expressed their devastation at Thompson’s passing: “Joe, who had been bravely battling cancer for a third time, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, with his family by his side. We first knew Joe primarily as a talented footballer, but we would soon grow to adore his loving, infectious personality.”

Having joined Manchester United‘s academy at the age of nine, Thompson became synonymous with Rochdale after making over 200 appearances for the club throughout his career, which spanned 13 years. He retired in 2019 at the age of 29, stating that he had pushed his body “to the limit” due to his ongoing health struggles.

Thompson’s final diagnosis came in April 2024, when he was told he had stage four lymphoma, with the disease having spread to his lungs. His former teammates and club officials recalled his indomitable spirit and leadership, both on and off the field.

“Above all of that, Joe was a loving husband to Chantelle and an incredible father to Thailula and Athena Rae,” the Rochdale statement continued. “Our thoughts are with Joe’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time.”

More than just a footballer, Thompson became a source of inspiration for many, using his platform to raise awareness about cancer treatment following his second diagnosis. In October 2024, he organized a charity walk from Manchester’s Old Trafford stadium to Rochdale’s Crown Oil Arena, which attracted around 300 participants.

Tributes flooded in across social media, with Manchester United stating, “We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away. A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

Tranmere Rovers and Carlisle United also extended their condolences to Thompson’s family, announcing minute applause during their respective fixtures in his memory.

The football community will remember Joe Thompson not only for his contributions on the field but also for his resilience and spirit in the face of adversity.