Dead in swimming pool:

Ex-Premier League footballer dies aged just 31

Former Sheffield United professional George Baldock (left) died at the young age of just 31.(Bild: AP/Dave Thompson)

Great sadness in the soccer world: Former Premier League player George Baldock has died at the age of just 31. The cause of death is still unclear.

According to the Greek TV station ERT, his body was discovered on Wednesday evening in his swimming pool in the southern Athens suburb of Glyfada.

The shock is profound. On Sunday, Baldock was still on the pitch for his club Panathinaikos; the right-back played 75 minutes in the 0-0 draw against Olympiakos Piraeus.

George Baldock in the Panathinaikos shirt(Bild: AFP/Eurokinissi)

Sheffield "shocked and very sad"
 Baldock played for Sheffield United from 2017 to 2024. His ex-club is "shocked and very sad" about the death.

"The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was extremely popular with fans, staff and teammates who wore the red and white shirt with him. The sincere condolences of everyone connected with Sheffield United go out to George's family and friends," reads a post from the English second division club.

Twelve international caps
Although he was born in England, Baldock also had Greek citizenship due to his grandmother's ancestry. He played a total of twelve international matches for the 2004 European champions.