Former Rochdale Footballer Joe Thompson Passes Away at 36
The football world is mourning the loss of Joe Thompson, the former Rochdale player who has died at the age of 36. According to reports from The Guardian, Thompson, who retired from professional football in 2019 at the age of 29, had been battling cancer for a third time.
Thompson, who played over 200 games for Rochdale, was first diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013 while playing for Tranmere. He went on to sign for Bury and had loan spells at Southport and Wrexham as he tried to build his match fitness following treatment. The midfielder returned to Rochdale from Carlisle in 2016 but unfortunately, the illness soon returned, requiring extensive treatment. As The Guardian reports, Thompson announced he was cancer-free in June 2017 and less than a year later scored the goal that kept Rochdale in League One.
Rochdale Football Club has paid tribute to Thompson, releasing a statement that reads: "Rochdale Football Club is devastated to learn of the passing of Joe Thompson. Joe, who had been bravely battling cancer for a third time, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, with his family by his side." The club also remembered Thompson’s "loving, infectious personality" and his "indomitable spirit" in the face of adversity.
Thompson joined Manchester United’s academy at the age of nine before joining Rochdale in 2005. He had a successful spell with the club, making over 200 appearances and scoring crucial goals. As The Guardian notes, Thompson announced his retirement from professional football in 2019, citing that his body had been pushed "to the limit" by his illness.
In their statement, Rochdale continued: "We first knew Joe primarily as a talented footballer, but we would soon grow to adore his loving, infectious personality. He faced every battle head-on, both on and off the pitch. His journey and indomitable spirit have been an inspiration for everyone who has been touched by his story." The club has also offered their condolences to Thompson’s family, including his wife Chantelle and their children Thailula and Athena Rae.
As a mark of respect, Rochdale’s players will wear black armbands for their National League match against Altrincham on Friday. The news of Thompson’s passing has sent shockwaves through the football community, with many paying tribute to his courage and resilience in the face of adversity. According to The Guardian, Thompson’s legacy will live on as an inspiration to those who knew him and those who were touched by his story.
