Jayden Adams, South Africa midfielder at 2026 World Cup, dies aged 25 | OneFootball

Jayden Adams, the South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, has died aged 25, weeks after playing at the 2026 World Cup. The cause has not been made public.

According to Superdeporte, the death was confirmed by his representatives and the South African Football Players Union.

Adams started the opener against Mexico at the Azteca, a 2-0 defeat, then the 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic in Atlanta. He came on late in the 1-0 win over South Korea that sent South Africa into the last 32 for the first time.

His World Cup story was already marked by tragedy. His grandmother, Marianna Adams, died aged 72 in a Stellenbosch hospital on 18 June, the day before the game against the Czechs. He played the first half as South Africa collected their first point.

Capped nine times since his 2024 debut, Adams came through at Stellenbosch FC before joining Mamelodi Sundowns last summer. In Pretoria he had emerged as one of South African football’s leading prospects.

The players’ union expressed devastation, saying he represented his country at the World Cup with pride, courage and distinction, and offered condolences to his family, Sundowns, Stellenbosch and the national side.

Brendine Johnson, his mentor and family spokesperson, asked for privacy, saying she spoke to Adams on Thursday and he was positive about returning after the tournament. Mamelodi Sundowns have yet to issue confirmation. His last public post was a photo with partner Aqueelah, shared less than 24 hours before the news.

Source: Superdeporte