South Africa star Jayden Adams dies aged 25 after playing in World Cup
South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams (Picture: Getty)
South African midfielder Jayden Adams has died aged 25, just a fortnight after competing for his nation at the World Cup.
The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder started South Africa’s first two matches of the tournament against Mexico and Czech Republic.
He was a substitute as South Africa beat South Korea to secure their place in the knockout stages, but was an unused sub as his nation were defeated 1-0 by Canada in the round of 32.
The South African Football Players Union wrote in a statement: ‘The SAFPU is devastated by the untimely passing of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder, Jayden Adams.
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‘Jayden had only recently represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, carrying the hopes of the nation with pride, courage, and distinction.
‘His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, the football fraternity and country at large.
‘We extend our deepest condolences to the Adams family, Mamelodi Sundowns, Stellenbosch FC, Bafana Bafana and all those whose lives he touched.
Jayden Adams started in South Africa’s two opening matches of the tournament (Picture: Getty)
Adams was an unused substitute as his country were knocked out against Canada (Picture: Getty)
‘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.
‘May his soul rest in eternal peace.’
Adams, who won nine caps for his country, came through the ranks at Stellenbosch before moving to Mamelodi Sundowns last year.
The 25-year-old was part of the Bafana Bafana squad that won the bronze at the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Ivory Coast in 2024.
According to local reports, senior official from Stellenbosch, Adams’ first club, confirmed the news in a WhatsApp message which read: ‘It is incredibly sad to inform you that Jayden Adams has passed away this morning. The circumstances are not clear at this stage.’
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