George Baldock, the Greece international soccer player found dead at his home in Athens on Wednesday, drowned while swimming in his pool, according to his family.
Greek police have stated there is no initial reason to believe the 31-year-old former Premier League player’s death was suspicious.
“We are heartbroken with the sudden passing of our beloved George. We can confirm that a post-mortem examination has found that George tragically drowned whilst swimming in the pool at his home in Glyfada, Athens,” Baldock’s family said in a statement to The Associated Press.
The family mentioned that the Panathinaikos defender, who was born in Britain, was scheduled to return to the U.K. on Thursday to celebrate his baby son’s first birthday.
“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 who were fortunate enough to know you and those who adored you from the stands,” the family said. “We will forever cherish the special memories we have of you, and you will continue to live on in your beautiful son.”
Baldock had Greek heritage and played 12 matches for the national team.
He joined Sheffield United in 2017 and helped the club gain promotion to the Premier League twice, in 2019 and 2023. He signed with Panathinaikos in May on a three-year contract after Sheffield United was relegated to England’s second division.
“As a family, it has been incredibly touching but also very difficult to read the huge number of tributes from those who knew George and from those whose lives he touched. It was impossible not to love him,” his family said. “We ask that you please continue to respect our privacy at this devastating time as we begin to process our grief.”
A moment of silence was held in tribute to the right back before Thursday’s Nations League game between England and Greece at Wembley Stadium, where Greece won 2-1.
