Sam Baldock

Milton Keynes Dons

Baldock was born in Buckingham, Buckinghamshire. Having joined the Wimbledon F.C. youth system following the club's 2003 relocation to Milton Keynes, Baldock signed as a trainee in July 2004, just after the club renamed itself as Milton Keynes Dons. Danny Wilson handed Baldock his first-team debut on 20 December 2005 in the 2–1 Football League Trophy loss to Colchester United as a late substitute in his only appearance of the season. Martin Allen as Dons manager for the 2006–07 season gave Baldock two further games in the first team in his only year in charge. Baldock failed to score as a substitute in either game as the Dons lost 4–1 away to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Football League Trophy and drew 1–1 at home to Mansfield Town. As Paul Ince took the role as manager, Baldock became more involved in matches, first making a substitute appearance in the FA Cup away to Crewe Alexandra, before making five substitute appearances in League Two. He also made his full debut in the Football League Trophy victory over Gillingham, and made two further appearances as a substitute, including one in the 2008 Football League Trophy final at Wembley Stadium on 30 March 2008, helping MK Dons win their first ever trophy. As new manager Roberto Di Matteo joined MK Dons, Baldock made his break-through season as he became a regular in the first-team, scoring his first senior goal in the Dons' 2–1 loss against Reading in a friendly match at stadium:mk on 19 July…

On 26 August 2009, Baldock was called up to an initial 30-man squad for the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt. Later, on 11 September, he made the final squad of 21 players, MK Dons chairman Pete Winkelman commented: "The standard of players he will now be rubbing shoulders with underlines what a wonderful talent he is."

Born in England, Baldock is of Greek descent through his grandmother. His late younger brother George was also a professional footballer, and his other brother James is the club doctor at Sam's former club Oxford United.

Milton Keynes Dons

Football League Two: 2007–08 Football League Trophy: 2007–08 West Ham United

Football League Championship play-offs: 2012 Brighton & Hove Albion

EFL Championship runner up: 2016–17 Individual

Football League Young Player of the Month: August 2010 Football League One Golden Boot: 2013–14 Bristol City Player of the Year: 2013–14