Tributes to George Baldock have poured in from around the world to mourn the death of the Buckingham-born footballer, who died aged 31 on Wednesday, leaving behind a heartbroken fiancé and a young son Brody.
His fiancé Annabel Dignam wrote on Instagram: “George, the love of my life, my soulmate, the perfect dad to our beautiful boy, you completed me. You were my world and I know we were yours.
“You are here with me in Brody’s smile, giggle and infectious personality. My world will never be the same but I will find a way for Brody. I promise.”
Baldock was due to return to Sheffield this week and celebrate his son’s first birthday when he was found unconscious in the pool of his home in Athens. The family have confirmed that he drowned while swimming. Thursday evening’s game between England and Greece included a minute’s silence from players who wore black armbands, with the Greek side holding up his shirt.
His family released a statement yesterday evening that said: “We are heartbroken with the sudden passing of our beloved George.You were the most special father, fiancé, son, brother, uncle, friend, teammate and person.
“Your enthusiasm and infectious personality brought so much love to those that were fortunate enough to know you and those that adored you from the stands.We will forever cherish the special memories we have of you and you will continue to live on in your beautiful son.”
Baldock, who had Greek nationality thanks to his grandmother, recently signed for Panathinaikos in Athens on a three-year deal. The club also released a statement that said: “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.”
He was born in Buckingham in 1993, and attended the Royal Latin School from 2004 until 2009 when he signed for MK Dons, playing 125 times for the first team, often alongside his brother Sam.
He also enjoyed loan spells at Northampton Town, Tamworth and Oxford United, where Sam finished his career. His other brother, James, is currently the club doctor there.
The young right back made his debut in 2010, when he was subbed on for Dan Powell, with nine minutes to go against Brighton and Hove Albion at Stadium MK.
MK Dons paid tribute to their former right back and said: “Everyone affiliated with MK Dons shares a great love for George, Sam and the Baldock family, and we would like to share our sincerest condolences during these awful times. You will always be one of our own, George. ”
They will also pay their respects to Baldock before their home game at the weekend against Port Vale.
During his time at Oxford United, Baldock was named in the League 2 Team of the Year before making a permanent move to League 1 side to Sheffield United.
United released a statement that read: “Oxford United Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock, aged 31.The sincere condolences of everyone associated with the Club are extended to James, Sam, his family, and friends.”
He logged 205 appearances for Sheffield United, scoring six goals, the first of which came in a boxing day 3-0 victory over Sunderland at Bramble Lane.
He was also a member of the side that ended The Blades’ absence from the Premier League.
It was during his time at Sheffield that he made his international debut for Greece under Gus Poyet in May 2022, beating Northern Ireland 1-0 in Belfast. He went on to make 11 more international appearances.
His former teammates including Manchester United’s Harry Maguire and Manchester City’s Jack Grealish who posted: “RIP George! A great player but more importantly a great guy! Sending all my love to your family and close ones.”
You can track all the latest tributes to George Baldock on BBC Sport as they come in.
