Jayden Adams, South African World Cup soccer player, dies at 25

South Africa's Jayden Adams fends off a Mexico player during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City, Mexico, on June 11. Adams, 25, was found dead Saturday. Photo by Sashenka Gutierrez/EPA

July 11 (UPI) -- Jayden Adams, a South African midfielder who played on the country's World Cup team, has died at 25.

Adams played for Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club, a professional soccer team based in Pretoria, and started in two of South Africa's three group games in the World Cup. He didn't play in Bafana Bafana's round of 32 knockout game, where they were beaten by Canada on June 28.

Visit mwafrika.life for more information.

No cause of death has been released.

The South African Football Players Union, the Ministry of Sport, Arts & Culture and Mamelodi Sundowns confirmed his death to ESPN on Saturday.

"Cape Town Central police registered an Inquest for investigation following the discovery of the body of a 25-year-old male on Saturday, 2026-07-11 at 11:06 at a premises in Military Road, Scotscheskloof," Western Cape South African Police Service spokesperson F.C. van Wyk told ESPN.

"Circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation."

The South African Football Players Union said in a statement that it was devastated by his death.

"Jayden had only recently represented South Africa at the FIFA World Cup, carrying the hopes of the nation with pride, courage and distinction. His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, the football fraternity and the country at large.

"We extend our deepest condolences to the Adams family, Mamelodi Sundowns, Stellenbosch FC, Bafana Bafana and all those whose lives he touched.

"South African football has lost a gifted player, a proud servant of the game and a young life that still had so much to offer. May his soul rest in eternal peace."

Adams' partner Aqueela Adendorf shared a tribute on Instagram after his death.

"There are no words to describe the pain I'm feeling," she wrote. "Rest in peace, my love. Thank you for every memory, every laugh, every hug, and every moment we shared. You were not only the love of my life but also my greatest supporter and my best friend."

"Rest easy, my angel. I love you always and forever," she said.

View this post on InstagramA post shared by South African Football Players Union (@safpu_online)

Read full story at source