Joe Thompson, a former Manchester United youth player, has passed away at the age of 36.
The midfielder, born in Bath, had been battling cancer for the third time. He received his third diagnosis in April of the previous year, after having retired from professional football in 2019.
He was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma, a form of blood cancer that had spread to his lungs.
Thompson had twice defeated cancer during his career as a player, which began and ended with Rochdale.
He joined Manchester United`s academy at the age of nine before moving to Rochdale, where he played for most of his 13-year career.
Manchester United expressed their condolences to their former academy player, stating: “A man who embodied our club`s values – we are saddened to hear about the passing of Joe Thompson.”
“A warm person who had a strong connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe`s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Rochdale, Thompson`s beloved team, confirmed his death, announcing that he passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, surrounded by his family.
The club also shared their “devastation” upon receiving the news in a touching tribute.
They wrote: “Joe, who had been bravely fighting cancer for the third time, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, with his family present.”
“Known to those at Rochdale as ‘Joey T’, he made over 200 appearances for his local team, representing the club with pride.”
“We initially knew Joe as a talented football player, but we quickly grew to admire his loving, infectious personality.”
The club, which Thompson first joined in 2005, added: “He faced every challenge head-on, both on and off the field.”
“His journey and unwavering spirit have served as an inspiration to everyone touched by his story.”
“Above all, Joe was a devoted husband to Chantelle and a wonderful father to Thailula and Athena Rae.”
“Our thoughts are with Joe’s family and friends during this incredibly sad time.”
Thompson was first diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer, in 2013.
After bravely fighting and overcoming it, he returned to professional football, playing for Bury the following year.
Thompson then played for Wrexham, Southport, and Carlisle United before returning to Rochdale in 2016.
However, his cancer recurred for a second time just months later.
Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that originates in white blood cells called lymphocytes.
It is relatively rare, with approximately 2,100 people diagnosed annually in the UK.
Hodgkin lymphoma can occur at any age, but it primarily affects individuals between 20 and 40 years old and those over 75. It is slightly more prevalent in men than women.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, in contrast, is diagnosed in 13,000 new patients each year. It is more common with increasing age, with over a third of cases diagnosed in people over 75.
In Hodgkin lymphoma, B-lymphocytes (a specific type of lymphocyte) begin to multiply abnormally and accumulate in certain parts of the lymphatic system, such as lymph nodes (glands).
The affected lymphocytes lose their ability to fight infection, making a person more susceptible to infections.
Like all cancers, symptoms vary and can be vague. However, patients commonly notice swelling in one or more lymph nodes.
This can occur in any area of the body, but is often in the neck, armpit, or groin.
The swelling is usually painless, although some people may experience aching.
Some people with Hodgkin lymphoma also experience other more general symptoms. These may include:
- Night sweats
- Unintentional weight loss
- A high temperature (fever)
- A persistent cough or feeling of breathlessness
- Persistent itching of the skin all over the body
Source: Cancer Research UK and the NHS.
Facing the disease with courage, Thompson found the strength to fight it again, managing to return to playing just nine months after his previous match.
He further etched his name in Rochdale`s history by scoring a crucial goal as a substitute in the final game of the 2017/18 season.
His goal secured a 1-0 victory, ensuring Rochdale`s promotion to League One.
Thompson made one more appearance for the club before retiring in 2019.
After retiring from football, Thompson transitioned into public speaking.
Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester after his third diagnosis last year, he explained that the “aggressive” lymphoma was already at stage four.
It had also spread to his lungs, causing breathing difficulties and sleep problems.
Despite the “hurt” of another diagnosis, Thompson vowed to fight it and win once more.
He said: “It’s far from ideal and it`s come back quite aggressively, at stage four.”
“The only positive is that it is the same cancer as before, but the issue this time is that it has spread to my lungs, so breathing is a problem, sleeping is difficult, and even talking can sometimes be quite hard.”
“You only have a limited time on this earth. I always believe you should make the biggest impact you possibly can on as many lives as possible.”
“That’s where I am, so I have to lead from the front. I am going to need support, and I am ready for everyone to step up, and we will get through it again, and then we look to the future.”
He had also set up a GoFundMe page at the time to help with his treatment, which raised over £108,000.
Career statistics:
- Rochdale, 2005-2012: 157 games, 17 goals
- Tranmere Rovers, 2012-2014: 32 games, 4 goals
- Rochdale (loan), 2012-2013: 7 games, 0 goals
- Bury, 2014-2015: 4 games, 0 goals
- Wrexham (loan), 2014-2015: 1 game, 0 goals
- Southport (loan), 2014-2015: 4 games, 0 goals
- Carlisle United, 2015-2016: 17 games, 1 goal
- Rochdale, 2016-2019: 39 games, 4 goals
Thompson was born in Bath on March 5, 1989, and moved to Rochdale at a young age.
At just nine years old, he joined the Manchester United academy, staying there until he was 16.
In the summer of 2005, he joined Rochdale on a youth training scheme, making his first-team debut against Carlisle United the following May.
He became a regular for the team, playing a crucial role in Rochdale`s promotion to League One in 2010.
In 2012, his first stint at the club ended, having made 157 appearances and scored 17 goals.
Despite moving to Tranmere Rovers, he returned to Rochdale on loan that season, making seven appearances.
After periods at several other clubs, he consistently returned to Rochdale.
As a tribute, Rochdale`s first team will wear black armbands during today`s match against Altrincham.
There are also plans to honor Thompson at the club`s next home game against AFC Flyde on Easter Monday.
Rochdale added: “Joe’s legacy will live on forever – he’s one of our own.”
