Overview

• Joe Thompson, a Manchester United academy graduate and Rochdale midfielder, succumbed to stage-four Hodgkin lymphoma after a third diagnosis in April 2024.
• Thompson made over 200 appearances for Rochdale and famously scored a decisive goal in 2018 to help the team avoid relegation in League One.
• After retiring in 2019, he became a motivational speaker, soccer pundit, and an ambassador for Manchester United, inspiring many with his story of perseverance.
• He is survived by his wife Chantelle and their two daughters, Thailula and Athena Rae, who have vowed to honor his legacy.
• Rochdale players paid tribute by wearing black armbands during their April 18 match, while Manchester United and other clubs issued heartfelt statements in his memory.