George Baldock: Man Utd defender Harry Maguire pays tribute after former Sheffield United player dies aged 31

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire is among those to have paid tribute to former Sheffield United defender George Baldock, who has died at the age of 31. The Greece international joined Panathinaikos over the summer as he left Bramall Lane to end a seven-year spell with the club.

The defender had recently returned from injury and played in Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Olympiacos. Reports in the Greek media say Baldock was found dead at his home in Athens on Wednesday. Maguire, who hails from Sheffield and came through the academy at the Blades, posted ‘RIP’ with a broken heart emoji alongside a photo of Baldock on Instagram. Former Red Devils goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who played with Baldock at the South Yorkshire club, posted “RIP Blades legend” on X along with a picture of the pair.

Sheffield United also paid tribute to their former player. A club statement read: “Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock.

“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.”

Baldock started his career with MK Dons before joining Sheffield United in 2017. He was promoted to the Premier League twice with the club as the Blades earned automatic promotion in 2019 and 2022. He was first called up to the Greece national team in 2022 and earned 12 caps for the nation.

A statement from the Greece national team read: “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.”

Greece play England on Thursday night and both England national team and Football Association have paid tribute to the player. An FA statement read: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of George Baldock at the age of 31. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with George’s family, friends and team-mates at club and country.”

An England statement added: “We’re extremely saddened by the passing of George Baldock. George was close to many of our players, and represented Greece – our opponents on Thursday night. We’re thinking of George’s family, friends and team-mates at club and country at this difficult time.”