The England-born Greece international was discovered deceased in his home’s swimming pool in the southern Athens neighborhood of Glyfada.
Baldock was not able to be revived at the site, and medical emergency units verified his death, according to a police officer quoted by the Reuters news agency.
Baldock had spent seven years at the Blades before joining Panathinaikos of Greece in the summer.
A family statement said, “We can confirm that George has sadly passed away.” “As a family we are in shock at this terrible loss.”
“We are shocked, we are shocked by our George’s passing,” a statement from Panathinaikos said.
“Panathinaikos’s family is in mourning following his sudden passing. We are in solidarity with George Baldock’s family and loved ones.”
“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,” Sheffield United said in an additional statement expressing their dismay at the news.
“The sincere condolences of everyone associated with Sheffield United are extended to George’s family and friends.”
Baldock began Sunday’s goalless draw between Panathinaikos and Olympiakos, marking his fourth appearance for the team.
Greece, for whom he qualified thanks to his grandmother, gave him 12 caps. Baldock was not included in the team for Thursday’s Nations League match between Greece and England.
“With profound sadness and sorrow, the national team and the Greek Football Federation bid farewell to George Baldock,” the Greece national team announced in a statement.
The news of the untimely death of one of our own young men fills us with an indescribable sense of human suffering. Silence is demanded by the moment. My sympathies to his family. From his second family, condolences.”
Baldock played more than 100 games for MK Dons since joining them in 2009.
Before arriving at Sheffield United in 2017, he had loan stints with a number of teams, including Oxford United and Northampton.
He played for the team in 219 games in all competitions, and in 2019 and 2023 he helped them get promoted to the Premier League.
Although Baldock was born in Buckingham, he chose to play for Greece in May 2022 after manager Gus Poyet gave him his first call-up.
The following month, he made his debut for the nation at Windsor Park in Belfast, winning 1-0 against Northern Ireland.
Greek football fans are in disbelief. The nation went into sadness upon learning about Baldock’s unexpected passing.
The terrible news is difficult for the Greek national team players to accept. They are in London ahead of their Thursday night match against England. Baldock participated in 12 games for Greece; he last played against Georgia in March 2024.
The Greek national team has requested that Uefa let them to wear black armbands versus England and have a pre-match minute of silence.
His wife spent several hours looking for Baldock because she was unable to get in touch with him. The body of the 31-year-old athlete was discovered within the pool by the owner of the home where Baldock was residing, who was contacted.
Though sources within the police department indicate there are no signs of foul play, an official announcement from Greek police is anticipated on Thursday. In the next days, an autopsy will identify the cause of death.
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