George Baldock funeral: Dele Alli bows his head for his ‘brother’ as outdated team-mates pay tribute to tragic footballer in Sheffield after he was discovered lifeless in his swimming pool in Greece aged 31
- Panathinaikos and Greece footballer George Baldock died at the age of 31
- The former Sheffield United star was found dead in a swimming pool at his home
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Dele Alli and Dean Henderson lead the mourners at George Baldock‘s funeral on Wednesday afternoon.
The former Sheffield United star – who was born in England but played international football for Greece since 2022 – was found dead in a swimming pool at his home near Athens on October 9.
He had been playing for Panathinaikos since joining the 20-time Greek champions from the Blades in May, after leaving a lasting legacy upon English football.
On Wednesday afternoon, a funeral was held for Baldock in Milton Keynes.
Along with Alli and Henderson, the likes of Chris Wilder and Oliver McBurnie were also in attendance as they paid their respects to the former Blades star.
Dele Alli (right) was among the mourners at George Baldock’s funeral on Wednesday afternoon
The former England star bowed his head as he paid tribute to his former MK Dons team-mate
Former Sheffield United goalkeeper Dean Henderson was also in attendance on the day
Pallbearers pictured carrying the coffin of Baldock at the ceremony in Milton Keynes
Baldock – who made over 400 appearances in English football – was found dead in a swimming pool at his home near Athens on October 9
Baldock made over 400 appearances in English football and spent seven seasons with Sheffield United until this summer, winning two promotions with the Blades.
Baldock was found unresponsive in his pool after his partner, who was in the UK, reportedly raised the alarm because he was not answering his phone.
Police investigating the drowning of the 31-year-old recovered CCTV showing him swimming in the pool at his Greek luxury apartment, as sources said it showed him swimming vigorously, before suddenly stopping and then sinking.
The CCTV from a neighbouring property captured half the pool and showed him entering the water at about 6.45 in the evening, hours before his body was found.
Baldock’s family released a statement, revealing the footballer was due to fly home to celebrate his son’s first birthday, but how they now ‘mourn his loss’.
Paying tribute, they said ‘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 that were fortunate enough to know you and those that adored you from the stands’.
Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder also attended the funeral at Crown Hill Crematorium
Billy Sharp, accompanied by his wife, was spotted making his way into the ceremony
Ex-Sheffield United striker Oli McBurnie – now of Las Palmas – made the trip to attend the event
The scene where Baldock was found dead in his swimming pool in Athens, Greece
Baldock was living in this property in the Greek capital after a move to club giant Panathinaikos
The footballer moved to Greek club Panathinaikos and was found dead in his swimming pool
The family went on to say ‘it was impossible not to love him’, as they asked members of the public for privacy at this ‘devastating time’.
England and Greece paid an emotional tribute to Baldock ahead of their Nations League match at Wembley earlier this month.
Players from both teams observed a minute’s silence before the match at Wembley.
A shirt with Baldock’s name was held up by the Greek national team as part of the touching tribute before kick-off.
Earlier this month, Alli paid tribute to Baldock – who were team-mates at MK Dons between 2011 and 2015 – via an emotional post on social media.
‘No words I could type or pictures I could use would ever be enough,’ Alli wrote on Instagram.
‘May your spirit, ambition, determination and humility live on through those who had the honour of knowing you! I love you brother and will miss you forever!
‘My thoughts, prayers and heart goes out to your family. Rest in peace Balders.’
Dele Alli has posted an emotional tribute to his former team-mate Baldock earlier this month
Baldock’s former team-mate Henderson stood on the touchline during a minutes’ silence
Meanwhile, Henderson – who played with Baldock at Sheffield United – stood on the touchline and paid his respects during a minute’s silence for Baldock prior to England and Greece’s clash earlier this month.
Baldock was born in Buckinghamshire and played more than 400 times in English football but earned 12 caps for Greece after qualifying through his grandmother.
Earlier this month, the Hellenic Football Federation said: ‘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’.
Panathinaikos also paid tribute, writing: ‘We are overwhelmed, we are shocked by the loss of our George. The family of Panathinaikos mourns his untimely death. We stand by the family and relatives of George Baldock.’
Sheffield United posted on X: ‘Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to learn of the passing of former player, George Baldock,’ they posted on X.
Earlier this month, tributes were laid for ex-Sheffield United star Baldock outside Bramall Lane
Baldock was known as ‘Starman’ by supporters who sung an ode to him at matches to the tune of the David Bowie hit
‘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.’
His boyhood club, MK Dons, said they were ‘devastated’ to hear the news, in an emotional post as they said he ‘will always be one of our own’.
