Soccer-South Africa World Cup midfielder Adams dies aged 25
South African international midfielder Jayden Adams has passed away at the age of 25. Adams, who played for Mamelodi Sundowns and represented his country at the 2026 World Cup, was remembered by FIFA and local sports officials as a gifted talent.
Why it matters
The sudden death of a young, high-profile international athlete has prompted an outpouring of grief from the global football community and national leadership.
CAPE TOWN, July 11 (Reuters) - South Africa international midfielder Jayden Adams, who featured in all three of his side's group stage games at the 2026 World Cup, has died, the country's sports ministry said on Saturday.
Adams, 25, started the Group A fixtures against Mexico and the Czech Republic, and came off the bench in the 1-0 win over South Korea that earned the side a first ever place in the knockout rounds, where they were beaten by Canada.
The player's grandmother died a day before South Africa played the Czechs, and he was replaced at halftime during the fixture.
He played for the Pretoria-based Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa, helping them to the African Champions League title in the 2025/26 season.
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