South African midfielder Jayden Adams, who played in 2026 world cupIs dead. He was 25 years old.
His death was confirmed by South Africa's Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Guyton McKenzie, in a statement on Saturday.
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“It is with deep shock and a heavy heart that I have learned that Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams has passed away at the age of 25,” McKenzie posted on X.
“South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents, and our country mourns with his family, his teammates and millions of supporters.”
Adams helped South Africa reach the World Cup knockout stage For the first time. He was featured in all three of South Africa's group stage matches.
The team had never advanced past the knockout stage of a World Cup – even as host nation in 2010. Fans did not have much expectations after South Africa lost their first match 2–0 to Mexico. But a draw in the match against the Czech Republic kept the South African team in the running.
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Adams started South Africa's first Group A game against the Czech Republic and was substituted at halftime. McKenzie said she played that game just hours after learning her grandmother had died.
After this Adams played game against south koreaIn which South Africa advanced to the knockout round by scoring one goal before losing to Canada.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said, “It is very sad to hear that South African midfielder Jayden Adams has passed away just weeks after taking part in his country's historic FIFA World Cup campaign.” Said In a statement.
Jayden Adams takes a shot during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between Czechia and South Africa at Atlanta Stadium on June 18, 2026 in Atlanta, GA. / Credit: Rich von Bieberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
No further information was given about his death. McKenzie asked the public and media to “exercise restraint and compassion and refrain from speculation”.
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Adams played several seasons for Stellenbosch before joining Mamelodi Sundowns last year. He helped the club win the CAF (African) Champions League this year.
The South African Football Players Association said, “Death has cruelly stolen one of our own. It has taken from our country a remarkable footballer.” Posted On X. “We will always remember his humility, his extraordinary talent and the pride with which he represented South Africa. Rest in eternal peace, Jayden. You will never be forgotten.”
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and the South African Federation of Trade Unions also expressed their condolences.