Previously British soccer Player Joe Thompson died this week after fighting for the third time in more than a decade, his wife announced on social media. He was just 36.
Thompson, who officially retired from the sport in 2019, died in the “early morning hours” on Thursday at home surrounded by his family. The news of his passing came a year after he revealed that he had been diagnosed with Lymphoma.
File – Joe Thompson from Tranmere Rovers. (Ama/Corbis via Getty Images, File)
It was his third cancer diagnosis since 2013.
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“Joe has had such an influence on so many people, and we are all forever grateful for him to bless us with his presence and to be so strong and stay with us as long as he did against all odds,” Chantelle Thompson wrote in a post on Instagram Friday.
“He was the most incredible man, son, brother, friend and father of our beautiful daughters, who will now bear his light and inheritance, and I will continue to fill them with Joe’s love every single day.”
Thompson, one earlier Manchester United Academy Player, Made more than 200 performances for the local club Rochdale. The club issued a statement after his death.
File – Rochdales Joe Thompson celebrates after scoring during a League Two match in Rochdale, England, March 3, 2010. (Pa via AP, file)
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“We first knew Joe primarily as a talented footballer, but we would soon grow to love his loving, contagious personality,” the statement says. “He was facing every fight head-on, both on and off the field. His journey and indomitable spirit have been an inspiration for anyone who has been touched by his story.
“Above all this, Joe was a loving man to Chantelle and an incredible father of Thailula and Athena Rae. Our thoughts are with Joe’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time.”
Thompson was first diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013. He underwent treatment and returned to the course the following season for the Bury Football Club. The cancer returned in 2016, but he underwent successful treatment and returned only nine months later.
File – Joe Thompson from Tranmere under the Power League One match between Tranmere Rovers and Brentford at Prenton Park on September 29, 2012 in Birkenhead, England. (Paul Thomas/Getty Images, File)
“It has been a long battle, and one that he struggled with all his power, and he did things his way !!
“He held on to his plans for the future to continue this legacy, but it is now time for him to rest up and keep an eye on us from heaven.”
Thompson is survived by his wife and their two young daughters.
