Joe Thompson, Inspirational Soccer Star, Passes Away at 36 After Courageous Cancer Battle

The soccer world is in mourning following the tragic passing of Joe Thompson, a beloved former player for clubs like Rochdale, Bury, and Tranmere Rovers, who died at the age of 36 after a valiant battle with cancer. Thompson’s journey, marked by resilience and an indomitable spirit, touched the hearts of fans, teammates, and opponents alike, leaving behind a legacy that transcends the pitch.

Thompson’s story became one of inspiration when he was first diagnosed with nodular sclerosis Hodgkin lymphoma, a rare form of cancer, in November 2013 at the age of 23 while playing for Tranmere Rovers. The diagnosis forced him to step away from the game for the remainder of the 2013–14 season, but his determination to fight the disease won him widespread admiration. In Tranmere Rovers’ first match following the announcement, fans from both sides honored him with a minute’s applause in the seventh minute—a gesture that would become a recurring show of support during his career.

Against the odds, Thompson achieved remission in June 2014 after months of grueling chemotherapy. He credited tennis player Ross Hutchins, who had successfully recovered from the same cancer, as a source of inspiration during his recovery. With unwavering determination, Thompson returned to the pitch, signing with Bury and later rejoining his hometown club, Rochdale. His comeback was a testament to his strength, both physical and mental, and he quickly became a symbol of hope for others facing similar battles.

However, in December 2016, Thompson faced heartbreak when the cancer returned. Once again, he stepped away from the game, but his resolve remained unshaken. Fans rallied around him, with supporters of Rochdale, Gillingham, and Bury holding minute-long applauses in the 15th minute of matches in March and April 2017 to honor his fight. By December 2017, Thompson was back on the field, making an emotional return as a substitute in a match against Walsall. The standing ovation he received from both sets of fans was a powerful reminder of the impact he had on the soccer community.

Despite beating cancer twice, Thompson’s health struggles persisted, and he was forced to retire from professional soccer at the age of 29 in 2019, having “pushed his body to the limit,” as he described. Even in retirement, he continued to inspire, using his experiences to support others facing cancer and sharing his story through various platforms. His courage and positivity earned him respect far beyond the sport, with Manchester United, where he was a youth academy graduate, calling him “a man who epitomized our club’s values.”

Thompson’s third and final battle with cancer proved to be his toughest. On Thursday, April 17, 2025, he passed away, leaving behind his wife, Chantelle, and their two daughters, Thailula and Athena Rae. In a statement, Rochdale described him as someone who “faced every battle head-on, both on and off the pitch,” adding that his “journey and indomitable spirit have been an inspiration for everyone who has been touched by his story.” Thompson himself had often spoken of his family’s unwavering support, once describing Chantelle as his “rock” and crediting her strength for helping him through his darkest moments.

Tributes have poured in from across the soccer world, with fans and former clubs remembering Thompson not only for his talent but for his warmth and connection with those around him. A guard of honour given to him upon his retirement in 2019 remains one of the many moments that showcased the love and respect he commanded. His autobiography, in which he detailed his battles and credited his late agent Gary