Inspirational former Carlisle United player Joe Thompson dies
Joe Thompson, the courageous former Carlisle United player who fought cancer three times, has died.
It was announced on Friday morning that the 36-year-old had passed away.
Thompson, who played for United in the 2015/16 season, was an inspirational figure amid his successive fights with Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
Rochdale, the club where he had three memorable spells, said the father of two passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, surrounded by his family.
"He faced every battle head-on, both on and off the pitch," said Rochdale in a statement.
"His journey and indomitable spirit have been an inspiration for everyone who has been touched by his story.
Rest In Eternal Peace Our KING 👑 pic.twitter.com/LWhUAIPle4
— Joe Thompson (@IAmJoeThompson) April 18, 2025
"Above all of that, Joe was a loving husband to Chantelle and an incredible father to Thailula and Athena Rae.
"Our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this incredibly sad time."
Carlisle have announced there will be a minute of applause before today's game against Port Vale. The club said they were "deeply saddened" by the news.
Thompson had initially fought Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2013 and had to confront the disease again in 2017.
Then in April 2024 he announced the cancer had returned more aggressively.
Thompson played for Carlisle in the 2015/16 season (Image: Barbara Abbott)
Thompson retired in 2019 and spent the following years as a motivational speaker and life coach, as well as a football pundit and an ambassador for Manchester United, the club where he started out as an academy player.
He has raised thousands of pounds for charity, including through a 21-mile walk around a number of his former clubs in Greater Manchester, where several of his former Carlisle colleagues were also among those taking part.
Thompson made 17 appearances for the Blues after joining under Keith Curle in 2015.
He scored once for the club - a goal at Plymouth Argyle which was his first since returning from his first cancer battle.
The midfielder always spoke fondly about his time at the club and his bond with fellow players and Carlisle's supporters.
He also played for Tranmere Rovers, Bury, Wrexham and Southport.
Manchester United paid tribute today, saying Thompson was "a man who epitomised our club's values.
"We are saddened to share that Joe Thompson has passed away," the Old Trafford club added.
"A warm personality who had a deep connection with our club from a young age, our thoughts are with Joe's family and friends at this difficult time."
Rochdale players will also wear black armbands at their game against Altrincham today.
Thompson's incredible spirit was recognised last November at the North West Football Awards, when he received the Billy Seymour Impact Award in honour of his 'continued inspirational impact on the footballing world'.
At the ceremony, Thompson gave a poignant speech where he called on the audience to "celebrate life", adding that he and his family had "walked through darkness before and we will do it again."
A statement posted by his wife Chantelle via Thompson's social media accounts described him as "our king", adding: "He was the most incredible husband, son, brother, friend and father to our beautiful daughters who will now carry his light and legacy on."
Funeral details will be shared soon, she added, saying that Joe wanted an open funeral so that anyone who was impacted by Joe and wished to attend can do so.
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