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THOMPSON TRIBUTE
Thompson's wife also made a touching tribute
- Henry Tomlinson, Freelance Sports Reporter
JOE THOMPSON'S daughter has paid a heartbreaking tribute after he died at the age of 36.
The Bath-born midfielder was diagnosed with cancer for the third time in April last year.
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Thompson hadhung up his boots in 2019,having come through the academy at Manchester United.
The former Rochdale star was found to have stage four lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, which had spread to his lungs.
He passed away on Thursday after becoming a public speaker following his retirement.
His daughter, Lula, 10, has now made a heartbreaking tribute to her father, which the Red Devils shared.
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The video showed moments of his footballing career, including scoring a memorable goal for Rochdale that saved them from relegation.
Pictures showed Thompson celebrating with Lula after the game.
The video continued to display the good charity work that the former footballer did in order to raise money to help battle cancer.
She said: "When my dad got cancer for the third time, he didn't let that stop him from doing good and start fundraising to get treatment that can help lots of other people.
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"He always wanted to be known as a great man, but I can say my dad was the greatest man.
"The best dad to me and my sister Athena, and the best husband to my mummy Chantelle.
Ex-Man Utd trainee Joe Thompson diagnosed with cancer for 3rd time and says 'aggressive' lymphoma has spread to his lungs
"I love you so much dad."
Thompson wasfirst diagnosed with the cancerous disease Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013.
After bravely battling to overcome it, he managed to return to professional football, playing for Bury the following year.
Thompson went on to have spells atWrexham, Southport, and Carlisle United before he returned to Rochdale in 2016.
However, his diseasecame back for a second timejust a few months later.
Rochdale also paid tribute to Thompson as the team wore black armbands during the game against Altrincham.
Chantelle's tribute
In a tribute to her husband, who died on April 17, 2025, Chantelle posted on Instagram...
She wrote: “Our brave and courageous Joey passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning, he was at home where he wanted to be in a beautiful peaceful setting surrounding by his family when he transitioned.
“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.
“He was the most Incredible husband,son,brother,friend & father to our beautiful daughters who will now carry his light and legacy on and I will continue to keep filling them up with Joes love every single day.
“It’s been a long battle, and one that he fought with all his might and he did things HIS way!!
“He choose 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.
“I know he will be deeply missed by everyone and the world will not be the same without his contagious energy. Long may his legacy and impact live on!!”
