Former Rochdale player Joe Thompson dies at 36 - Manchester United lead tributes to footballer who ‘epitomised club’s values’

Former Rochdale player Joe Thompson has lost his battle with cancer, it has been announced. The football club revealed the sad news that Joe had died at the age of 36 having first been diagnosed in 2013.

Joe retired from the game in 2019 at the age of 29 and was diagnosed with cancer for a third time last year. His former club said in a statement: “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. Known by those close to Rochdale as ‘Joey T’, he made over 200 appearances for his local team, representing the badge with pride.”

Joe, who played more than 200 games for Rochdale, was first diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013 while playing for Tranmere. He later signed for Bury and spent time on loan at Southport and Wrexham as he tried to build his match fitness following treatment.

He returned to Rochdale from Carlisle in 2016 but the disease soon returned, requiring extensive treatment. Joe announced he was cancer free in June 2017 and less than a year later scored the goal that kept Rochdale in League One, beating Charlton on the final day of the season.

However, he announced his retirement two years later, saying at the time his body had been pushed “to the limit” by his two fights against Hodgkin lymphoma. Last year, he was diagnosed with cancer for a third time, with stage four lymphoma which had spread to his lungs.

Joe joined Manchester United’s academy when he was just nine before he joined Rochdale in 2005. In 2023, Thompson helped to launch United’s Academy Alumni programme — ‘United Once, United Forever’ — which aims to provide aftercare for former academy players.

Thompson worked as a pundit for MUTV and also raised more than £20,000 during a fundraising walk from Old Trafford to Rochdale. Following the news of his death, the club tweeted: “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.”

Joe’s wife, Chantelle, posted on Instagram: “The words I thought I would never have to write…

“Our brave and courageous Joey passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning, he was at home where he wanted to be in a beautiful peaceful setting surrounded by his family when he transitioned.

“Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds.

“He was the most incredible husband, son, brother, friend and father to our beautiful daughters who will now carry his light and legacy on and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joe’s love every single day.”

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.

“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.”

Rochdale’s players will wear black armbands for their National League match against Altrincham on Friday.