Former Rochdale midfielder Joe Thompson has died at the age of 36.
Thompson was diagnosed with cancer for the third time in 2024 after four years in remission.
“Rochdale Football Club is devastated to learn of the passing of Joe Thompson,” his former club said in a statement on Friday.
“Joe, who had been bravely battling cancer for a third time, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, with his family by his side.
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“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.
Thompson joined Manchester United’s academy when he was nine years old before signing for Rochdale when he was 16.
“Everyone at Manchester United is deeply saddened at the passing of our much-loved friend and Academy alumni, Joe Thompson, at the age of 36,” the club said in a statement.
“Joe’s wife, Chantelle, and two daughters are firmly in our thoughts at this immensely difficult time.”
Thompson was 24 when he was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system, in 2013 while playing for Tranmere Rovers, who he moved to the previous year.
He beat the condition after undergoing chemotherapy though it returned in 2017. Thompson had rejoined Rochdale by this point, having had a loan spell at the club in 2013, as well as stints at Bury, Wrexham and Southport.
Thompson beat his cancer again after undergoing a stem cell transplant in the summer of 2017 and returned to score the goal that saved Rochdale from relegation to League Two the following year. He was kept in isolation for six weeks during the treatment and described it as “cabin fever” where “the walls start talking to you.”
An inspiration to so many, Joe Thompson was the worthy recipient of The Sir Tom Finney Award in 2019. ❤️#EFL pic.twitter.com/w7ORR6Tgaf https://t.co/aePBjH8eWK
— EFL (@EFL) April 18, 2025
He announced his retirement from football in February 2019, aged 29.
In 2024, he was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin lymphoma, meaning that the cancer had spread to his lungs.
Across his 13-year football career, Thompson made 260 club appearances, 203 of which came for Rochdale.
(Clint Hughes/PA Images via Getty Images)
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