South African soccer star Jayden Adams has died. He was 25.
“The South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) is devastated by the premature passing of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder, Jayden Adams,” the union announced via it’s official X account on Saturday, July 11. “His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, the football fraternity and the country at large.”
The statement continued, “Death has cruelly stolen certainly one of our own. It has robbed our nation of a remarkable footballer, but it’ll never take away the legacy Jayden Adams leaves behind. We are going to without end remember his humility, his extraordinary talent and the pride with which he represented South Africa.”
Adams appeared in South Africa’s 2-0 World Cup loss to Mexico and it’s 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic. He was a substitute player within the national team’s 1-0 win over South Korea, but he didn’t appear within the team’s loss to Canada, which knocked South Africa out of 2026 World Cup competition.
“It’s with profound shock and a heavy heart that I even have learnt of the pasing of Jayden Adams,” Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s minister of sports, arts and culture, said in a statement shared via social media after the soccer star’s shocking death. “South African football has lost certainly one of its brightest young talents, and our nation mourns alongside his family, his team-mates and the thousands and thousands of supporters who watched him grow from a promising academy prospect right into a full Bafana Bafana international.”
Jayden Adams #23 of South Africa Getty Images
McKenzie continued, recalling a moment during South Africa’s World Cup game against the Czech Republic, “I recall noting how unusually quiet Jayden seemed on the bench within the second half, after he had been substituted — it was only afterwards that we learnt he had taken to the sphere that day carrying the fresh grief of losing his grandmother, Marianna, who had assed away only hours before kick-off. Once I reached out to Jayden to supply my condolences and encouragement, I shall carry without end the common-or-garden, appreciate response he gave me. That he selected tow ear the national jersey and provides his all for his country in that moment speaks to the depth of character and professionalism well beyond his years, and it reflects the calibre of young man South Africa has lost.”
Uruguayan soccer player Juan Izquierdo has died following a tragic on-field incident. Izquierdo was pronounced dead on Tuesday, August 27, five days after he collapsed to the sphere after colliding with an opposing player. He was 27 years old. The Nacional defender fell to the bottom unconscious during Copa Libertadores’ game against Sao Paolo on […]
In line with McKenzie, no official reason behind death has “been confirmed” on the time of publication. The minister closed out his statement by appealing to the higher angels of each the media and the general public regarding the character of the young player’s death.
“I want to appeal to members of the media and the general public to exercise restraint and compassion, and to refrain from speculation, while his family and Mamelodi Sundowns are given the space and privacy they need at this incredibly difficult time,” he said. “Any official information can be communicated by the suitable parties in the end.”
Adams is survived by his longtime partner, Aqueelah Adendorf, and their 5-year-old daughter.