English soccer star Joe Thompson dies at 36 after battling cancer three times

Football enthusiasts across the world mourn the loss of Joseph Thompson, commonly known as Joe Thompson, as he passed away on the morning of April 17, 2025. The English footballer from Bath, United Kingdom, played as a midfielder for Rochdale A.F.C. and a few other clubs. Thompson died after being diagnosed with cancer three times.

Joe's wife, Chantelle Perry, took to Instagram to break the news of his demise. The late midfielder was first diagnosed with Nodular Sclerosis Hodgkin Lymphoma at 23, which is a type of blood cancer. After going through chemotherapy, he returned to playing football. According to Manchester United's obituary of him, three years later, he was once again diagnosed with cancer and needed stem cell treatment.

Yet again, he fought against cancer, defying expectations, and returned to the field, finally deciding to retire in 2019. In April 2024, Joe was diagnosed, for the third time, with cancer. Unfortunately, this time he was diagnosed with stage four lymphoma.

Joe, who was the father of two children, shared daughters Tahilula Lily and Athena Rae with his wife, Chantelle Perry. After he retired from soccer, Thompson became a life and motivational speaker and also worked as a media pundit. As per Rochdale A.F.C., he also held an ambassadorial role with Manchester United.

Joe's wife, Chantelle, in her Instagram post, revealed the unfortunate news of her husband and poured out her heart in the caption, writing:

"Our brave and courageous Joey passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning, he was at home where he wanted to be in a beautiful peaceful setting surrounded by his family when he transitioned."

She continued:

"Joe has made such an impact on so many people and we are all forever grateful for him blessing us with his presence and for being so strong and staying with us as long as he did against all the odds. He was the most Incredible husband, son, brother, friend & father to our beautiful daughters who will now carry his light and legacy on and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joe's love every single day."

Chantelle, while calling his husband's cancer journey a "long battle," further added:

"He held on to his plans for the future to continue that legacy but It’s now time for him to rest up and watch over us from heaven. I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy. Long may his legacy and impact live on!!"