World Cup star dies aged 25 just days after representing country at tournament
World Cup star dies aged 25 just days after representing country at tournament
Tom Blow Sat, July 11, 2026 at 2:02 PM UTC
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Jayden Adams has passed away -Credit:Getty Images
South Africa star Jayden Adams has died aged 25 — just days after playing at the World Cup.
The shocking news was reported by South African outlet Soccer Laduma on Saturday. A cause of death hasn't been announced at this time. The South African Football Association (SAFA) has yet to comment on Adams' passing.
Adams was part of South Africa's squad for this year's World Cup, held in North America. He helped the country reach the knockout stages of the tournament. The midfielder played in all three of South Africa's group-stage games against Mexico, the Czech Republic — which featured a controversial decision — and South Korea. He didn't feature in the round-of-32 defeat to Canada. His death comes just two weeks after Adams suffered a family tragedy.
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Adams won nine senior caps for South Africa. At the club level, he began his career at Stellenbosch before joining Mamelodi Sundowns, another South African team, last year.
Brendine Johnson, who was Adams' mentor, has spoken on the player's shock death.
As quoted by Soccer Laduma, he said: "At this moment, things are still raw, you know, things are still raw. The family wouldn't want to be contacted right now; they wouldn't be able to answer anyone.
Adams played for South Africa at this year's World Cup -Credit:Getty Images
"This passing has ripped everybody apart, returning from the World Cup just now, and then got such news, you know.
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"I had a close conversation with him on Thursday, the guy was really positive on returning back and being able to return after the World Cup and go, you know, being a CAF champion, knowing what lies ahead, he was prepared.
"He doesn't waste time away, being at home with his family. So at this moment, I don't even have words to say, but we ask that the family's privacy be respected. Yes, I can tell you that he passed on. Nobody expected this."
The South African Football Players Union has also commented on Adams' passing. It said: "The SAFPU is devastated by the untimely passing of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder, Jayden Adams.
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"Jayden had only recently represented South Africa at the 2026 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 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.”
Just last month, SAFA released a statement following the death of Adams' grandmother, Marianna. She passed away while her grandson was playing at the World Cup.
"This is a massive loss for Jayden’s family, friends and relatives, and we join in mourning the loss of his grandmother. We as SAFA offer our deepest condolences and may her soul Rest in Peace," said Danny Jordaan, SAFA's president, in a statement.
It follows a separate tragedy at the World Cup where a dead body was found near Iran's World Cup training base.
Source: “AOL Sports”
