Former Rochdale Midfielder Joe Thompson passes away at 36, Leaving a Legacy of Courage and Inspiration

Joe Thompson, former Rochdale midfielder and club icon, passed away peacefully at home on April 17, 2025, at the age of 36, following a courageous fight against cancer for the third time. Diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013, Thompson battled the disease twice before returning to the professional football pitch, playing over 200 times for Rochdale and scoring a goal that secured the club against relegation in 2018. Even after he retired in 2019 on health grounds, he was still an inspiration because of his strength and perseverance. Thompson was remembered not just for his footballing talent but also for his enthusiastic personality and dedication. He leaves behind his wife Chantelle and two daughters. Rochdale players will keep a minute's silence against Blackpool this weekend and play in black armbands in respect of their beloved "Joey T." The football community mourns the loss of a genuine battler and much-beloved teammate. Source: Sky Sports, Rochdale AFC, BBC Sport