Jayden Adams dies aged 25, weeks after playing at 2026 World Cup | OneFootball

Jayden Adams, a South Africa midfielder with Mamelodi Sundowns, has died aged 25, weeks after appearing at the 2026 World Cup. His death was confirmed on Saturday by the South African Football Players Union, and the cause has not been made public.

Adams started the opener against Mexico at the Azteca, a 2-0 defeat, then started the 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic in Atlanta. He came on late in the 1-0 win over South Korea, which sent South Africa into the last 16 for the first time.

His World Cup was already touched by tragedy. His grandmother, Marianna Adams, died aged 72 in a Stellenbosch hospital a day before the Czech Republic match on 18 June. He chose to play and featured in the first half as South Africa collected their first point.

Capped nine times since his 2024 debut, Adams came through at Stellenbosch before joining Mamelodi Sundowns last summer. In Pretoria he had been viewed as one of South Africa’s leading prospects and travelled to the World Cup in full ascent.

The players’ union said it was devastated, describing Adams as representing his country at the tournament with pride, bravery and distinction. It sent condolences to his family, Sundowns, Stellenbosch and the national team.

Brendine Johnson, the player’s mentor and the family’s spokesperson, also confirmed the news and requested privacy. She said she had spoken to Adams on Thursday and he sounded positive and excited about returning to competition after the World Cup. Mamelodi Sundowns had not issued an official confirmation at the time of writing.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo