South Africa footballer, 25, dies days after featuring in FIFA World Cup

South Africa international Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, just weeks after representing his country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Adams featured in all three group-stage matches as South Africa reached the knockout rounds for the first time in their history.

In Short

• South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25
• Adams featured in all three of South Africa's group-stage matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
• No cause of death has been announced by the South African sports ministry

South Africa international Jayden Adams, who featured in his country's historic FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign, has died at the age of 25, the country's sports ministry confirmed on Saturday, July 11. No cause of death has been disclosed.

Adams was part of the South Africa squad that created history by reaching the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup for the first time. The midfielder played in all three of Bafana Bafana's group-stage matches, starting against Mexico and the Czech Republic before coming off the bench in the decisive 1-0 win over South Korea that sealed qualification for the Round of 16.

South Africa's dream run ended with a defeat to Canada in the knockout stage, but Adams had emerged as one of the key figures in the side's memorable campaign.

The tournament was also marked by personal tragedy for the midfielder. Adams' grandmother passed away a day before South Africa's group-stage match against the Czech Republic, with the 25-year-old substituted at half-time during the fixture.

At club level, Adams played for Mamelodi Sundowns, helping the Pretoria-based side win the CAF Champions League during the 2025-26 season. He had joined the club in January 2025 after coming through the youth ranks at Stellenbosch FC.

The South African Football Players' Union paid tribute to the midfielder, describing him as one of the country's brightest talents.

"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," the union said in a statement.

South Africa's Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie, also mourned Adams' passing.

"Our nation mourns alongside his family, his teammates and the millions of supporters who watched him grow from a promising academy prospect into a full Bafana Bafana international," McKenzie said.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino also offered his condolences in an Instagram post, saying his "thoughts and condolences, as well as those of everyone at FIFA and the global football community, are with his family, friends and teammates."

Adams made his senior international debut against Mozambique in 2022 and went on to earn 13 caps for South Africa, scoring two goals during the country's successful qualification campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

His death comes just weeks after representing South Africa on football's biggest stage, cutting short the career of a player widely regarded as one of the nation's brightest midfield prospects.

- Ends