The Greek football community has been left in shock following the sudden death of Panathinaikos player George Baldock, who was found dead in the pool of his Glyfada home.
The international right-back's body was discovered in a shared swimming pool on Diadochou Pavlou Street, leaving his teammates and fans devastated.
Details surrounding the 31-year-old’s death remain unclear. Baldock, who had not been included in Greece’s squad for their upcoming Nations League match against England at Wembley, was found unresponsive late Wednesday evening.
His wife, who resides in England with their child, had been trying to reach him throughout the day without success.
Concerned, she contacted the landlord of Baldock’s apartment, who arrived at the property and found the player lifeless at the bottom of the pool.
Emergency services were called at 10:29 p.m., arriving at the scene shortly after. A doctor from the mobile unit confirmed Baldock’s death, and police were notified to investigate the circumstances. While no external injuries were found on the body, authorities suspect sudden cardiac arrest as the possible cause of death.
An autopsy and toxicology reports are expected to provide more clarity.
A vodka bottle was reportedly found near the scene, but it is unclear when it was consumed or if it played a role in the tragic event.
The police are also examining whether other substances were involved.
Panathinaikos officials, shocked and heartbroken by the news, rushed to Baldock’s residence and are in constant contact with local authorities to understand the circumstances leading to his untimely death.
Baldock had recently joined Panathinaikos after a long and successful career in England. He was born in Buckingham, England, on March 9, 1993, and had Greek roots through his paternal grandmother.
He began his football journey with Milton Keynes Dons, where he made his debut in May 2010. Over the course of seven years, he made 107 appearances for the club and spent time on loan at several English clubs and the Icelandic team Vestmannaeyja.
In 2017, Baldock moved to Sheffield United, where he played in 219 matches, including 83 in the Premier League. During his time at the club, he scored six goals, provided 16 assists, and was part of the team that reached the FA Cup semi-finals in 2023.
He also helped the club earn two promotions from the Championship to the Premier League.
Baldock’s transfer to Panathinaikos in 2023 marked his first stint in Greek football, and he had recently become a member of Greece’s national team, qualifying through his Greek heritage.
Tragically, his death coincides with what should have been a celebratory day—his daughter's birthday.
The Greek football world mourns the loss of a talented player and a dedicated family man, as investigations continue to determine the exact cause of this heartbreaking incident.