Rochdale, the fifth-tier English club where Thompson became a beloved figure, announced his death on Friday. In a heartfelt statement, the club paid tribute to Thompson's talent and infectious personality.
"We first knew Joe primarily as a talented footballer, but we would soon grow to adore his loving, infectious personality," Rochdale stated. "He faced every battle head-on, both on and off the pitch. His journey and indomitable spirit have been an inspiration for everyone who has been touched by his story. Above all of that, Joe was a loving husband to Chantelle and an incredible father to Thailula and Athena Rae."
A tenacious midfielder, Thompson's first encounter with Hodgkin's lymphoma came in 2013 during his time playing for Tranmere Rovers. Tragically, the disease returned three years later, forcing him to confront the illness once more.
In a moment of immense relief and triumph, Thompson announced he was cancer-free in 2017. Less than a year later, he etched his name into Rochdale's history books. Coming off the bench in the final game of the 2017-18 season, he scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory that secured the club's survival in the third tier of English football. Rochdale fondly recalled this moment, stating that it entered him "into Rochdale folklore."
Thompson ultimately retired from professional football in 2019. Following his playing career, he transitioned into roles as a motivational speaker and a respected soccer pundit. He also maintained a connection with his formative club, Manchester United, serving as an ambassador.
The relentless nature of the disease saw Thompson diagnosed with cancer for a third time last year, prompting an outpouring of support from across the footballing world.
Manchester United also paid their respects to Thompson, posting a moving tribute on their social media channels, recognizing that he "epitomized our club’s values."
As a mark of respect and remembrance, Rochdale, located just north of Manchester, announced that their players would wear black armbands during their National League match against Altrincham on Friday. The loss of Joe Thompson will be deeply felt by all who knew him and by the wider football community who admired his resilience and spirit.