FILE – South Africa’s Jayden Adams in the course of the World Cup Group A football match between Czechia and South Africa in Atlanta, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Stew Milne, File)
JOHANNESBURG — South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams, who played on the World Cup, has died. He was 25.
His death was confirmed by Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s minister of sport, arts and culture, in an announcement on Saturday.
“It’s with profound shock and a heavy heart that I even have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams, midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, on the age of 25,” McKenzie posted on X.
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“South African football has lost considered one of its brightest young talents, and our nation mourns alongside his family, his team-mates and the hundreds of thousands of supporters.”
Adams helped South Africa reach the World Cup knockout stage for the primary time.
Further details of his death weren’t given.
“The reason for Jayden’s passing has not yet been confirmed,” McKenzie said. “I want to appeal to members of the media and the general public to exercise restraint and compassion, and to refrain from speculation.”
A moment of silence in honor of Adams was held ahead of the World Cup quarterfinal between Norway and England in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Saturday.
Adams began in South Africa’s first Group A games against Mexico and Czech Republic. McKenzie said Adams played the second game only hours after learning that his grandmother had died. He got here on as a second-half substitute within the third game against South Korea.
Adams played several seasons for Stellenbosch before joining Mamelodi Sundowns last yr. He helped the club win the CAF (African) Champions League this yr.
“Death has cruelly stolen considered one of our own. It has robbed our nation of a remarkable footballer,” the South African Football Players Union posted on X. “We are going to perpetually remember his humility, his extraordinary talent and the pride with which he represented South Africa. Rest in everlasting peace, Jayden. You won’t ever be forgotten.”
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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and the South African Federation of Trade Unions also expressed their condolences.