Joe Thompson, the former Rochdale AFC midfielder and cancer awareness advocate, has died at the age of 36.
Thompson passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, surrounded by his family, following a third battle with cancer. The Bath-born footballer had been diagnosed with stage four lymphoma in April 2024, five years after retiring from professional football.
A well-loved figure both on and off the pitch, Thompson’s career was marked by resilience, courage, and a deep connection to Rochdale, the club he began and ended his career with. In total, he had three separate spells at Spotland, making 203 appearances for Dale.
In a statement, Rochdale AFC expressed their devastation at the loss, saying:
“We first knew Joe primarily as a talented footballer, but we would soon grow to adore his loving, infectious personality. His journey and indomitable spirit have been an inspiration for everyone who has been touched by his story.”
Born in 1988, Thompson began his football journey at Manchester United's academy before joining Rochdale, where he would spend the majority of his 13-year professional career. He also played for Tranmere Rovers, Carlisle United, Southport, and Bury.
He was first diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013 while playing for Tranmere. After treatment, he was declared cancer-free in 2014, only for the disease to return in 2017. Following a second round of treatment, Thompson returned to the pitch and in May 2018 scored a dramatic goal against Charlton Athletic that kept Rochdale in League One — a moment he later described as “written in the stars.”
Thompson retired from football in 2019, saying he had "pushed his body to the absolute limit", and later turned his attention to media work, motivational speaking, and mentoring young players. In October 2024, he participated in a 21-mile charity walk from Old Trafford to Rochdale's Crown Oil Arena to raise awareness for cancer treatment, just months after receiving his third diagnosis.
Tributes have poured in from across the footballing community and beyond. Bury and Southport all issued heartfelt statements praising his courage and legacy.
He is survived by his wife Chantelle and daughters Thailula-Lily and Athena Rae.
In 2019, Thompson received the prestigious Sir Tom Finney Award at the EFL Awards, recognising his contributions to the game and his inspirational journey.
The EFL said:
“Joe was an inspiration to so many. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and former clubs at this very difficult time.”
Rochdale supporters are expected to pay tribute to Thompson during their next home fixture, with fans already calling for a permanent memorial to honour one of the club’s most beloved players.
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