Joe Thompson dies aged 36 after third cancer battle as Man Utd pay heartbreaking tribute

Rochdale have released a statement announcing that their former midfielder, Joe Thompson, has sadly passed away following a brave battle with cancer.

Thompson spent time in the academy at Manchester United in his youth but became synonymous with Rochdale after making more than 200 appearances for the club across three separate spells.

During his playing career, Thompson showed tremendous courage to battle cancer twice before being diagnosed for a third time last April. He was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma - a type of blood cancer - which had spread to his lungs.

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After fighting bravely against the disease for a third time, it has now been confirmed that Thompson passed away peacefully with his family by his side in an emotional statement from his former club.

The statement reads: "Rochdale 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.

"Known by those close to Rochdale as ‘Joey T’, he made over 200 appearances for his local team, representing the badge with pride. 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. Above all of that, Joe was a loving husband to Chantelle and an incredible father to Thailula and Athena Rae.

"Our thoughts are with Joe’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time."

also paid tribute to Thompson following the sad news. A post on their X account alongside a picture of Thompson read: "A man who epitomised our club's values.

"We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away. A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this difficult time."

Numerous other clubs and figures from the footballing have paid tribute to Thompson following the news of his passing.

One of his former clubs, Tranmere Rovers, shared a message of their own before asking supporters to participate in a minutes applause for Thompson in the seventh minute of their League Two fixture with Doncaster Rovers on Good Friday.

Tranmere's post read: "The Club is extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Joe Thompson at the age of 36. The Club sends its condolences to his wife Chantelle, children Thailula-Lily and Athena Rae, his family and friends. Joe was an inspiration to all those who knew him.

"The Club asks supporters to join in a minute’s applause in memory of Joe Thompson starting on 7 minutes of today’s home game against Doncaster Rovers."