Football clubs have paid tribute to former Oxford and Sheffield United player George Baldock, who has passed away aged 31.

According to national reports, the England-born Greece international was found dead at his home in the swimming pool of his house in Glyfada, southern Athens.

His death was confirmed on Wednesday (October 9) night and clubs have since paid tribute to the 'extremely popular' player. 

A family statement read: “We can confirm that George has sadly passed away.

"As a family we are in shock at this terrible loss. We ask please that the media respect our privacy at this time.”

Oxford United, where his brother James is a club doctor, paid tributes to Baldock. 

Posting on X (formerly Twitter), the club wrote: "Oxford United Football Club is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock, aged 31.

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"The sincere condolences of everyone associated with the Club are extended to James, Sam, his family, and friends."

Baldock signed for Panathinaikos this summer after a seven-year spell at Bramall Lane, where he was a defender.

The Blades said it was 'extremely saddened' to hear the news. 

A statement posted on X said: "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.

George BaldockGeorge Baldock (Image: Zac Goodwin/PA Wire)

"The sincere condolences of everyone associated with Sheffield United are extended to George’s family and friends."

The Greece national team expressed its sadness at the news. 

A statement from the team said: “With profound sadness and sorrow, the National Team and the Greek Football Federation bid farewell to George Baldock.

“There are no words to describe the human pain caused by the news of the unexpected loss of one of our own, young, man.

"The moment forces silence. Condolences to his family. Condolences from his second family.”

“We are shocked by the loss of our George. The family of Panathinaikos mourns his untimely death. We stand with the family and loved ones of George Baldock,” a Panathinaikos statement added.

England international and former Sheffield United player Harry Maguire posted “RIP” and a heartbreak emoji alongside an image of Baldock on Instagram, while ex-team-mate Dean Henderson posted “RIP Blades legend” on X along with a picture of the pair.

The Football Association also expressed its devastation at Baldock’s death.

“We are devastated to learn of the passing of George Baldock at the age of 31. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with George’s family, friends and team-mates at club and country,” an FA statement read.

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An England statement added: “We’re extremely saddened by the passing of George Baldock.

“George was close to many of our players, and represented Greece – our opponents on Thursday night. We’re thinking of George’s family, friends and team-mates at club and country at this difficult time.”

Buckinghamshire-born Baldock started his career at MK Dons, with two stints at Oxford, before he signed for Sheffield United in 2017.