“From hitting bars together when we were younger to playing against each other” - Chelsea star says he’s ‘heartbroken’ after death of George Baldock
Chelsea star Ben Chilwell shared a heartfelt message on social media following the death of George Baldock at the age of 31. The Greece international was found deceased on Wednesday, October 9, in a swimming pool at his residence in the southern Athens suburb of Glyfada, as reported by Reuters citing police sources.
Authorities attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the right-back but were unable to revive him and the cause of death remains unknown, as per the report.
Baldock joined Greek club Panathinaikos, signing a three-year contract in May 2024, following his seven-year tenure at Sheffield United.
Ben Chilwell took to Instagram and shared a story, remembering the time he and Baldock shared the pitch at Milton Keynes Dons when they were younger and later playing against each other in the Premier League. The Blues defender paid tribute to Baldock and wrote:
"From hitting the bars together when we were younger in MK, to playing each other in the Premier League. I am heartbroken. Rest in peace mate."
Baldock started his senior career with Milton Keynes Dons in 2009. During his eight-year tenure at his boyhood club, he was on loan to multiple clubs including Northampton Town, Tamworth, ÍBV, and Oxford United. He then joined Sheffield United in 2017 and contributed to the Premier League outfit achieving the EFL Championship second-place promotion in 2018–19 and 2022–23.
Tributes pour in for George Baldock
The news of the unexpected death of George Baldock has left the football community shocked with tributes pouring in for the Greece international from multiple clubs and players.
One of his former clubs Sheffield United took to social media to express their condolences and wrote (via @SheffieldUnited on X):
"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."
Milton Keynes Dons also paid tribute to their academy graduate and wrote (via @MKDonsFC on X):
"We are deeply devastated and saddened to learn about the shocking news of former Academy graduate and MK Dons player, George Baldock. George started his career at Stadium MK, where he worked his way through the youth ranks and made his senior career debut at the Club before reaching the heights of the Premier League in later years. 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."
Baldock made his debut for Greece in June 2022 and had 12 international caps. The national team called for a moment of silence in honor of the right-back and wrote (via ESPN):
"With deep sadness and pain, the national team and the Hellenic Football Federation say goodbye to George Baldock. There are no words to describe the human pain caused by the news of the untimely loss of one of our young people. The moment calls for silence. Condolences to his family. Condolences from his second family. Goodbye."
Sheffield United graduate Harry Maguire and Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson also paid tribute to George Baldock.