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South African soccer star Jayden Adams died just weeks after participating in his team’s historic 2026 World Cup run, according to the South African Football Players Union (SAFPU).
He was 25, and the cause of death is unknown, with an investigation pending.
“Jayden had only recently represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, carrying the hopes of the nation with pride, courage, and distinction,” the SAFPU said in a statement. “His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, the football fraternity and country at large.
“South African football has lost a gifted player, a proud servant of the game and a young life that still had so much to offer. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Cape Town Central police have begun an investigation after they found a 25-year-old man inside a house in Schotsche Kloof at 11:06 a.m. local time Saturday, Western Cape South African Police Service spokesperson F.C. van Wyk told ESPN.
“Circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation,” the spokesperson said.
Adams started two of South Africa’s three World Cup Group Stage games, failing to tally a goal or assist, but did not appear in the Round of 32 loss to Canada.
South Africa’s appearance in the Round of 32 marked their first knockout-round appearance.
The midfielder played in the tournament with a heavy heart, with his grandmother, Marianna, dying at the age of 72 on June 17, one day before South Africa’s 1-1 draw against Czechia.
“Jayden started in the match against Czechia and gave his all while carrying the burden of losing his grandmother,” the South African Football Association said in a statement on June 27.
Adams also made a name for himself playing for Mamelodi Sundowns and Stellenbosch FC in the South African Premiership.
He made 109 appearances and scored seven goals for Stellenbosch FC over six seasons and played in 40 games for Sundowns after joining the team in 2025.
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Adams and Mamelodi won the 2025-26 CAF Champions League, and he previously helped South Africa secure its best finish in 24 years at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2023, when Bafana Bafana placed third.
“It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams,” Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s minister of sport, arts and culture, said in a statement, per 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.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino offered his condolences Saturday on Instagram.
“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,” he wrote.
“My thoughts and condolences, as well as those of everyone at FIFA and the global football community, are with his family, friends and teammates. The Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns star will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.”
Source: New York Post
