South African football is mourning the loss of midfielder Jayden Adams, who has died at the age of 25, just 12 days after his country’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign came to an end.
Adams represented South Africa in all three group-stage matches and helped the team reach the knockout stage for the first time in the nation’s history before they were eliminated by Canada. He also played for Mamelodi Sundowns after joining the club in early 2025.
The South African government, football officials and FIFA President Gianni Infantino paid tribute to Adams, remembering him as one of the country’s brightest young talents. Authorities have not disclosed the cause of his death.
