British soccer player Joe Thompson has died after multiple battles with cancer. He was 36.
“The words I thought I would never have to write. … Our brave and courageous Joey passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning,” Joe’s wife, Chantelle Thompson, wrote via Instagram one day later on Friday, April 18. “He was at home where he wanted to be in a beautiful, peaceful setting, surrounded by his family, when he transitioned.”
Joe, who previously played professional soccer with Rochdale AFC as a midfielder, was diagnosed with stage IV lymphoma in April 2024. He previously battled cancer in 2013 and 2017.
“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,” Chantelle, who shared two children with Joe, continued in her Friday statement. “He was the most incredible husband, son, brother, friend and 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.”
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According to Chantelle, Joe never gave up throughout his “long battle” with cancer.
“It’s been a long battle, and one that he fought with all his might and he did things HIS way,” she recalled. “He chose his path and walked every step with courage and pride, growing closer and closer to God each day whilst still being there for so many others. 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.”
Chantelle also expressed hopes that her husband’s “legacy and impact [will] live on.”
“I know he will be deeply missed by everyone, and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy,” she stated. “Joe wanted an open funeral so everyone who feels that Joe in any way made an impact on their life’s and wishes to attend can do so. Once we know more around dates etc, we will be sharing that on his socials.”
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She continued, “Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey with us. We are all forever grateful.”
Before his death, Joe was candid about his health battles, crediting Chantelle and daughters Thailula and Athena Rae for their unwavering support.
“They are everything,” Joe told broadcaster Zarah Connolly in an April 2024 sit-down after his last diagnosis. “They are why I wake up. Going through what I have been through, I know how important they are, and I also know how tough it is for those guys. I often say the one that is there next to you is probably the one that is suffering the most because they are seeing you. They are witnessing you go through certain things.”
