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A professional footballer who played in the World Cup less than two weeks ago died at the age of 25.
The South African Footballers’ Union announced the “untimely death” of midfielder Jayden Adams.
“Death has cruelly robbed us of one of our own. It has robbed our nation of a remarkable footballer, but it will never take away the legacy that Jayden Adams leaves behind,” the union said in a social media post.
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Jayden Adams of South Africa runs with the ball during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A match between Mexico and South Africa at Mexico City Stadium on June 11, 2026, in Mexico City, Mexico. (Juan Luis Díaz/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
“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.”
“Jayden had recently represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, carrying the nation’s hopes with pride, courage and distinction,” the SAFPU said in a separate statement on Saturday. “His passing is an immeasurable loss for his family, his teammates, his clubs, the football fraternity and the country at large.”
The cause of death was not immediately known.
Jayden Adams of South Africa competes during a Group A match between Mexico and South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City, Mexico, on June 11, 2026. (Wu Wei/Xinhua via Getty Images)
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Adams started South Africa’s first World Cup match, a 2-0 loss to host Mexico. He also started in the team’s draw against the Czech Republic before coming off the bench in South Africa’s 1-0 win over South Korea that secured a place in the round of 32.
He spent six seasons with Stellenbosch FC before joining Mamelodi Sundowns.
Adams did not play during the knockout phase.
Jayden Adams of South Africa passes during a 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A match against the Czech Republic at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 18, 2026. (Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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He was a member of Mamelodi Sundowns, who won the CAF Champions League title last year.
Adams scored two goals in nine appearances for South Africa.
