England and Greece players took part in a moving tribute at Wembley tonight as the football world gathered to pay tribute to George Baldock following his tragic death.
The former Sheffield United defender and Greece international died on Wednesday evening at the age of 31.
Police were called to the footballer's home in Greece, where he was found unconscious in the swimming pool. The exact cause of death is not yet known.
Despite the Greek FA's request to postpone the match, Thursday's Nations League match went ahead as planned, with both sides wearing black armbands as a sign of respect.
There was a minute's silence before kick-off, which also paid tribute to the life of Kick It Out founder Lord Herman Ouseley, who died earlier this month at the age of 79.
Baldock had an extensive football career in England, most notably with Sheffield United, where he made 219 appearances between 2017 and March this year.
The defender, who became a Greece international thanks to his grandmother, left Brammal Line this summer and signed with Panathinaikos.
He made 12 appearances for the national team between 2022 and 2024, and last played for his club recently on Sunday, in a goalless draw with Olympiacos in the Greek top flight.
After the first news of the tragic death emerged, tributes poured in from across the football world.
Speaking before kick-off, Ian Wright, who coached Baldock during his short stint at MK Dons, told ITV: “Terrible news, shocking news. During this time, all you can think about is his friends and family. I spoke to Karl Robinson and he was devastated.
Asked what kind of person he is, Wright added: “Hard working, determined. At MK Dons he was the type of person you could recognize by the way he applied himself. He was probably going to get to the Premier League and he did. I am very sorry and all my condolences go to his family.
Roy Keane also expressed his condolences, saying: “I watched him a lot at Sheffield United, he played with a lot of energy, was very tenacious and always ready to fight.
The players will have to be professional and try to go out on the pitch and give it a good performance.
A statement from the Hellenic Football Federation read: “It is with deep sadness and pain that 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 death of one of our young people. This moment requires silence. Condolences to his family. Condolences from the other family. Goodbye.'
Coming through the youth system at MK Dons, Baldock represented several clubs in the English football pyramid, including Northampton Town, Tamworth and Oxford United.
He joined Sheffield United in 2017 and went on to twice help the Blades secure promotion to the Premier League and earn the nickname 'Furious George' for all his action-packed performances on the pitch.
“Sheffield United Football Club is shocked and extremely saddened to hear of the death of former player George Baldock,” the club said in a statement.
“The defender left the club in the summer after seven years at Bramall Lane and was hugely popular with fans, staff and teammates who wore the red and white shirt alongside him.
“Our sincere condolences from everyone associated with Sheffield United go out to George's family and friends.”
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