George Baldock's Body to Be Returned to UK After Tragic Passing in Greece

The body of George Baldock is anticipated to be returned to the UK this weekend following the surprising death of the former Premier League star on Wednesday.

At 31, the ex-Sheffield United defender was found unresponsive in the pool of his villa in Greece, having drowned just before he was set to return to England for his son's first birthday celebration.

Baldock enjoyed a distinguished career in English football, making over 400 appearances and spending seven seasons with Sheffield United, achieving two promotions with the club. This summer, he transitioned to Greece to play for Panathinaikos, marking four appearances with his new team.

The Sun reports that Baldock's body is expected to be repatriated this weekend, reliant on the completion of essential paperwork. "If the paperwork is ready, the repatriation can take place… that means by this weekend," a source in Greece told The Sun. An autopsy confirmed drowning as the cause of death, although toxicology reports will take at least a week to process.

Baldock was discovered unconscious in the pool after his partner, who was in the UK, allegedly raised the alarm when he did not respond to her calls. Police investigations have secured CCTV footage, which captures Baldock swimming forcefully in the community pool of his Greek apartment, abruptly halting, and then sinking.

Footage from an adjacent property partially shows the pool, documenting Baldock entering the water around 6:45 PM on Wednesday, hours before his body was retrieved.

Baldock's family released a poignant statement today, revealing that the footballer was preparing to return to the UK to celebrate his son's birthday, but now they "mourn his loss." The family paid tribute, stating, "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 fortunate enough to know you and those who adored you from the stands." They further expressed, "It was impossible not to love him," while requesting privacy from the public during this "devastating time."

Annabel Dignam, mother to their year-old son Brody, paid an emotional tribute on Instagram, along with a cherished family photo. She expressed, "George, the love of my life, my soulmate. The perfect Dad to our beautiful boy. You completed me. You were my world, and I know we were yours. You are here with me in Brody's smile, giggle, and infectious personality. My world will never be the same, but I will find a way for Brody. I promise. I love you forever and always, G. Your Neen. X"

In a moving tribute, both England and Greece acknowledged Baldock ahead of their Nations League match at Wembley on Thursday night. A minute of silence was observed by players before the kickoff, and the Greek national team displayed a shirt imprinted with Baldock's name as part of their homage. Dean Henderson, England's substitute goalkeeper and former Sheffield United teammate of Baldock, stood on the touchline to pay his respects.

Although Baldock was born in Buckinghamshire, he played over 400 games in English football and earned 12 caps representing Greece, thanks to his grandmother. During Greece's surprising 2-1 victory over England, forward Vangelis Pavlidis dedicated his first goal to Baldock. After scoring in the 49th minute, Pavlidis gestured to the sky and lifted his black armband as a tribute, joined by his teammates who displayed a white shirt with Baldock's name, solemnly honoring the 31-year-old's untimely demise. Pavlidis reflected, "It was a really special day for us because of George. We are people, and it's a special night because of him."