Former Manchester United academy player, Joe Thompson, died this week following a third battle with cancer and tributes from the football family have flooded in
Joe Thompson’s daughter has paid an emotional tribute after he tragically died from cancer aged 36. Thompson, who played for Manchester United at academy level, was diagnosed with cancer for the third time a year ago.
The Rochdale hero was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, which had spread to his lungs. Thompson’s family announced that he’d passed away on Thursday, and tributes have flooded in from his former clubs and ex-team-mates.
As well as being a retired footballer, the former midfielder was a husband to wife Chantelle and father of two daughters, Lula and Athena Rae. Lula, 10, paid tribute to her dad in a video shared by United on social media.
The video showcased moments from his footballing career, including scoring a memorable goal for Rochdale which saved them from relegation to League Two in 2018, having recovered from his second battle with cancer. Thompson was seen celebrating with Lula after the famous game at Spotland.
There was also footage of the ex-Bury, Tranmere Rovers and Carlisle United wide man doing his vital charity work. Speaking about her father, Lula said: “When my dad got cancer for the third time, he didn’t let that stop him from doing good and start fundraising to get treatment that can help lots of other people.
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“He always wanted to be known as a great man, but I can say my dad was the greatest man. The best dad to me and my sister Athena, and the best husband to my mummy, Chantelle. I love you so much, dad.”
Thompson was released by United aged 16 after they said that he was too small. He made his senior debut with Rochdale before a move to Tranmere. That was where, in 2013, he was first diagnosed with the cancerous disease Hodgkin lymphoma. After bravely making a recovery, Thompson returned to the EFL by playing for Bury the following year.
He then had spells with Wrexham, Southport and Carlisle before he returned to Rochdale in 2016. The disease came back shortly after but he fought it off again and later wrote his name in club history.
After he retired in 2019, cancer struck for the third time. Rochdale’s players wore black armbands during Saturday’s game against Altrincham while other former clubs paid their respects.
As part of an obituary, United said: “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. Joe’s wife, Chantelle, and two daughters are firmly in our thoughts at this immensely difficult time.”
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