Former Manchester United academy product Joe Thompson passes away at age 36

Rochdale has issued a statement announcing the tragic death of their former midfielder, Joe Thompson, after a  brave fight with cancer. Having played in Manchester United's academy as a young player, Thompson joined Rochdale and made more than 200 appearances for the team over three different stints.

During his playing career, Thompson showed incredible bravery by battling cancer twice before receiving a third diagnosis in April of last year, this time for stage four lymphoma, a blood cancer that had spread to his lungs. According to an emotional statement from his old team, Thompson died away peacefully with his family at his side after valiantly battling the illness for a third time.  

We're devastated to learn of the passing of Dale legend, Joe Thompson.

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

One of our own 💙#RAFC

— Rochdale AFC (@officiallydale) April 18, 2025

According to Rochdale, they were "devastated" and he died quietly at home on Thursday, surrounded by his loved ones.  "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 RRae,” the statement,reads.

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Joe Thompson joined Manchester United at age of nine 

Before joining Rochdale in 2005, the midfielder from Bath enrolled in United's academy at the age of nine. The next year, he made his professional debut with Dale. He rejoined the team in 2016 after departing in 2012, playing 203 games and tallying 19 goals. He played for Tranmere, Wrexham, Southport, and Carlisle while away from Spotland Stadium. Despite his condition, Thompson kept up his efforts to raise money for charity.  From Old Trafford to Rochdale's Spotland Stadium, he planned a 21-mile charity walk in October 2024.

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