Joe Thompson of Rochdale passes away aged 36 after being diagnosed with cancer for the third time last year.
Joe Thompson, who retired at the age of 29 in 2019, was diagnosed with cancer for a third time last year, has passed away last evening.
While playing for Tranmere in 2013, Thompson, who had more than 200 games for Rochdale, received his initial diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma. After treatment, he tried to improve his match fitness by signing with Bury and spending time on loan at Southport and Wrexham. After moving back to Rochdale from Carlisle in 2016, the midfield player’s sickness quickly reappeared and necessitated prolonged medical care.
Less than a year after declaring himself cancer-free in June 2017, Thompson scored the game-winning goal that kept Rochdale in League One, defeating Charlton on the last day of the season.
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.”
But two years later, he declared his retirement, claiming that his condition had pushed his body “to the limit” at that point. He received a third cancer diagnosis last year, this time for stage four lymphoma that had spread to his lungs.
Before joining Rochdale in 2005, Thompson was just nine years old when he enrolled in Manchester United’s academy.
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.”
The players from Rochdale will don black armbands when they play Altrincham in the National League on Friday.