Jayden Adams, a midfielder for South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns, has passed away at the age of 25 after playing in the 2026 World Cup.
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"It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams," South Africa's minister of sport, arts, and culture Gayton McKenzie said in a statement, per the BBC.
"South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents, and our nation mourns alongside his family, his team-mates and the millions of supporters who watched him grow from a promising academy prospect into a full Bafana Bafana international."
Jayden Adams of Mamelodi Sundowns poses for a portrait during the official FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Portrait Session on June 10, 2025 in Bradenton, Florida. (Photo by Elsa - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
According to the BBC, the police opened an investigation after a body was found in a suburb of Cape Town. The cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
Adams, who began his career with Stellenbosch FC, played a prominent role in multiple World Cup games this year while representing his home country. He faced off with Czechia, Mexico, and Korea Republic during the opening stage of the tournament.
He then faced off with Canada in the knockout stage as an unused substitute. South Africa's time in the World Cup ended with a 0-1 loss to Canada. This loss marked the first time that the country had reached the knockout stage.
Once the other teams in the World Cup heard the news of Adams' passing, they honored his memory. Teams representing Norway and England held a minute of silence before their match. The teams from Argentina and Switzerland also held a minute of silence.
"It's so incredibly sad to hear that South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams has passed away just weeks after featuring in his nation's historic Fifa World Cup campaign," said FIFA president Gianni Infantino in a statement.
"My thoughts and condolences, as well as those of everyone at Fifa and the global football community, are with his family, friends and team-mates. The Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns star will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace."
