South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams dies at 25; cause unconfirmed

South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams died at age 25. Adams appeared in three group-stage matches for the national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He started against Mexico and Czech Republic and entered as a second-half substitute against South Korea.

South Africa advanced to the knockout stage for the first time with Adams in the squad. Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s minister of sport, arts and culture, confirmed the death in a statement on Saturday. “It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams, midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, at the age of 25,” McKenzie posted on X.

McKenzie added that Adams played one of the matches only hours after learning of his grandmother’s death. Adams joined Mamelodi Sundowns from Stellenbosch FC in January 2025 and helped the club win the CAF Champions League in 2026. A moment of silence was held for him before the World Cup quarterfinal between Norway and England in Miami Gardens, Florida, on 11 July.

“The cause of Jayden’s passing has not yet been confirmed,” McKenzie said. The South African Football Players Union posted that Adams’ death had “robbed our nation of a remarkable footballer” and praised his humility and talent. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also expressed condolences.