South African World Cup star found dead

South Africa’s sports ministry has announced the death of Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams.

he Mamelodi Sundowns player’s was found dead in his home, and cause of death is still unclear.

Adams was part of South Africa’s team to the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup where he featured in all three group stage matches, but did not play the round of 32 match where his country was sent packing following defeat to Canada.

Adams’ death comes less than a month after the passing of his grandmother, on the eve of country’s second World Cup match against Czech Republic.

In a statement by the country’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, announced the death of the 25-year-old central midfielder, but did not reveal the cause of death.

He, however, appealed for respect for Adams’ family and his club’s privacy.

“It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams.”

“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.”

“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.”

However, Western Cape police who found Adams’ body at a house in the suburb of central Cape Town known as Schotschekloof on Saturday morning, revealed it has launched an investigation to unravel the “circumstances surrounding his death”.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has also sent the world football governing body’s condolence on the shock death of the Cape Town-born midfielder who started two matches at the ongoing World Cup.

“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.”

Adams, a Stellenbosch FC academy graduate and first team player before joining Mamelodi Sundowns in January last year where he won a Premiership title and a CAF Champions League crown.

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