South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams has died aged 25, just weeks after representing his country at the World Cup.
Adams, who also played for Mamelodi Sundowns, featured in all three of the Bafana Bafana’s group games at the tournament, where they reached the knockout stages before losing to co-hosts Canada in the last 32.
‘It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams,’ South Africa’s minister of sport, arts and culture Gayton McKenzie said, in a statement.
‘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.’
Police in South Africa said they had opened an investigation after the body of a 25-year-old man was found at a house in Schotschekloof, a suburb in central Cape Town, on Saturday morning.
McKenzie added: ‘The cause of Jayden’s passing has not yet been confirmed, and I wish to appeal to members of the media and the 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.
‘Any official information will be communicated by the appropriate parties in due course.’
Adams started in the 1-1 draw against Czechia in Group A despite learning that his grandmother had passed away only hours before kick-off.
The South African Football Players Union said it was ‘devastated by the untimely passing’ of Adams, saying: ‘Jayden had only recently represented South Africa at the 2026 World Cup, carrying the hopes of the nation with pride, courage and distinction.
‘His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, team-mates, clubs, the football fraternity and the 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.’
FIFA president Gianni Infantino passed on his condolences too, saying: ‘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.
‘My thoughts and condolences, as well as those of everyone at FIFA and the global football community, are with his family, friends and team-mates. The Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns star will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.’
