South Africa World Cup midfielder Jayden Adams passes away at 25

ISTANBUL – The Confederation of African Football announced on Saturday that 25-year-old South African international midfielder Jayden Adams, who recently competed in the FIFA World Cup, has passed away.

The midfielder, who recently suited up for the South African club Mamelodi Sundowns, played in all three of his country’s group-stage matches last month in the ongoing tournament.

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South Africa advanced to the knockout stage for the first time in its history before being eliminated on June 28 by co-host Canada in the round of 32.

South African police said an investigation had been opened after the body of a 25-year-old man was found at a house in Schotschekloof, central Cape Town, on Saturday morning. The cause of death has not been confirmed.

South Africa’s Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie urged the public and media to avoid speculation while Adams’ family and club await official information.

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“South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents,” McKenzie said, offering condolences to Adams’ family, teammates, and supporters.

Adams made his senior international debut in 2022 and was also part of the South Africa squad that reached the semifinals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

He began his professional career at Stellenbosch FC before joining Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025, winning domestic league and African Champions League titles with the club.

Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s president, also expressed condolences, saying Adams would be “sorely missed” by the global football community. (Anadolu)

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