South Africa World Cup player Jayden Adams dies at 25
South African professional footballer Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25. Adams was a key midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns and the national team, having recently competed in the World Cup.
Why it matters
The sudden death of a young, high-profile athlete has prompted national mourning and tributes from the South African sports community.
FILE - South Africa's Jayden Adams during 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 at 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 a statement on Saturday.
"It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams, midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, at the age of 25," McKenzie posted on X.
"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."
Adams helped South Africa reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time.
Further details of his death were not given.
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