Former Rochdale midfielder Thompson dies at 36

Former Rochdale midfielder Joe Thompson has died at the age of 36.

He was diagnosed with cancer for a third time in April last year, five years after he retired from playing.

Thompson was found to have stage four lymphoma – a type of blood cancer – which had spread to his lungs after twice recovering from the disease during his playing career.

The Bath-born player began and finished his career with Rochdale, and had three spells with the club.

Rochdale said they were “devastated” and that he had passed away peacefully at home on Thursday with his family by his side.

“We first knew Joe primarily as a talented footballer, but we would soon grow to adore his loving, infectious personality,” Rochdale said.

“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.

Thompson was first diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013 and again in 2017.

But, after twice being given the all-clear, he notably went on to score the goal which saw Rochdale avoid relegation from League One in 2018.

Thompson came through Manchester United’s academy from the age of nine before going on to join Dale, where he spent the majority of his 13-year career.

He also played for Tranmere Rovers, Carlisle United, Southport and Bury.

He was first diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma while at Tranmere in 2013 and was given the all-clear the following year.

After being diagnosed with cancer again in March 2017 during his third spell with Dale, he was able to return to football during the 2017-18 season after being told he was in “complete remission”.

In his finest moment for Rochdale, Thompson scored against Charlton Athletic to secure their place in League One for another season, describing his goal as “written in the stars, fate, destiny”.

Following the end of his playing career, Thompson worked in the media as a pundit as well as mentoring and as a motivational speaker.

In October 2024, he took part in a 21-mile fundraising walk in order to raise awareness of cancer treatments following his third diagnosis.

Tributes to Thompson poured in following news of his passing.

Manchester United described him as “a man who epitomised our club’s values,” before adding: “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.”

Tranmere said: “The club sends its condolences to his wife Chantelle, children Thailula-Lily and Athena Rae, his family and friends.

“Joe was an inspiration to all those who knew him. The Club asks supporters to join in a minute’s applause starting on seven minutes of today’s home game against Doncaster Rovers.”

A statement from Carlisle said: “Everybody at Carlisle United is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Joe Thompson. Joe was an inspiration to all those who knew him.

Bury said: “We are saddened to hear the passing of former Shaker Joe Thompson. Joe made four appearances for the club during the 2014/15 season. Our thoughts are with Joe’s family and friends at this sad time. RIP Joe – Once A Shaker Always A Shaker.”

Southport said: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of former player Joe Thompson. We send our deepest condolences to all of Joe’s friends and family at this tough time.”

In 2019, Thompson received The Sir Tom Finney Award at the annual EFL Awards ceremony, an honour presented to a player who has had an outstanding career and contributed an exception amount to The Football League and game in general.

The EFL described Thompson as “an inspiration to so many” and added: “The EFL is deeply saddened by the passing of Joe Thompson. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and former clubs at this very difficult time.”