Joe Thompson, Former Rochdale Midfielder, Dies at 36 After Third Cancer Battle
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Synopsis
Joe Thompson, the former Rochdale midfielder and Manchester United youth, has sadly passed away at 36 after battling cancer for the third time. He was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma, which spread to his lungs. Joe's legacy includes remarkable achievements in football and his inspiring story as a motivational speaker.
Key Takeaways
- Joe Thompson was a former midfielder for Rochdale.
- He battled cancer three times throughout his career.
- Diagnosed with stage four lymphoma in 2024.
- Notable for scoring a crucial goal to avoid relegation in 2018.
- Transitioned to motivational speaking after retirement.
New Delhi, April 18 (NationPress) Former Rochdale midfielder and Manchester United academy graduate, Joe Thompson, tragically passed away at the age of 36 following his third diagnosis of cancer in April 2024. Thompson was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma—a severe form of blood cancer—which had metastasized to his lungs after he successfully battled the illness twice during his career.
He began his football journey at the age of nine, joining Manchester United’s Academy where he developed until he was 16. In the summer of 2005, he made the transition to Rochdale, debuting against Carlisle United in May 2006. Joe quickly became a key player, significantly contributing to the team's promotion to League One in 2010.
“A man who embodied our club's values. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joe Thompson. He was a warm individual with a profound connection to our club since childhood, and our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends during this challenging time,” stated Manchester United.
His initial tenure with the club concluded in 2012, having played 157 matches and scoring 17 goals. He joined Tranmere Rovers that summer but returned to Spotland for a loan spell, making seven appearances. In 2013, Joe faced the daunting diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma, but he triumphantly returned to professional football with Bury in 2014.
Subsequent stints at Wrexham, Southport, and Carlisle United followed before he returned to the Crown Oil Arena in 2016 for a third time. However, just months later, the cancer recurred. Once more, Joe displayed remarkable resilience, returning to the pitch just nine months after his previous match.
He played in the FA Cup fifth-round replay against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium, and cemented his legacy with Rochdale on the final day of the 2017/18 season.
With the team needing a victory to avoid relegation to League Two, Joe came on as a substitute in the 67th minute and scored the vital goal just two minutes later, ensuring a 1-0 victory. He made one final appearance for the club before announcing his retirement in 2019.
After his playing career, Joe shared his inspiring journey as a motivational speaker and life coach, engaging as a football pundit and serving as an ambassador for Manchester United, among other ventures.
