South Africa footballer Jayden Adams dies days after taking part in World Cup
The 2026 World Cup has been blighted by another tragedy, as South African officials announced the death of football star Jayden Adams on Saturday (11 July).
The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder put in the performance of a lifetime on the world's biggest stage in recent weeks in honour of his home country.
His 'untimely passing' was announced by the South African Football Players Union (SAFPU), although the circumstances surrounding the 25-year-old's death currently remain unclear.
Adams was described him as a 'gifted player, a proud servant of the game and a young life that still had so much to offer' in a statement sharing the sad news.
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He has represented his country nine times internationally, while he also impressed on the pitch while playing for South African side Mamelodi Sundowns.
Police in South Africa have launched an investigation after a 25-year-old man was found at a house in Schotschekloof in Cape Town, the BBC reported.
The statement announcing Adams' death read: "The SAFPU is devastated by the untimely passing of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder, Jayden Adams.
"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," the statement continued.
"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."
One of South Africa's 'brightest young talents'
South Africa's minister of sport, arts and culture Gayton McKenzie urged people to 'refrain from speculation' about what may have happened to Adams.
In a statement sharing her condolences, McKenzie said: "It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams.
"South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents, and our nation mourns alongside his family, his team-mates and the millions of supporters who watched him grow from a promising academy prospect into a full Bafana Bafana international.
"The cause of Jayden's passing has not yet been confirmed, and I wish to appeal to members of the media and the public to exercise restraint and compassion, and to refrain from speculation, while his family and Mamelodi Sundowns are given the space and privacy they need at this incredibly difficult time.
"Any official information will be communicated by the appropriate parties in due course."
The sporting world has been left reeling by his sudden passing and tributes have been pouring in for the young player, who started South Africa's first two games at the 2026 World Cup.
After showing the globe what he is made of during the group stages, he sat on the substitute bench during his country's final game on 28 June.
South Africa were knocked out of the tournament after losing 1-0 to Canada, one of this year's host countries.
Adams shared a snap of him clutching the World Cup trophy on his Instagram page just a few weeks back alongside the caption: "Proud moment."
His partner, Aqueelah Adendorf, also shared a lengthy social media post ahead of South Africa's game against Canada, where she spoke of how all of his 'hard work' was 'finally paying off'.
Adams' hard work was 'finally paying off'
It read: "Watching you achieve something this big has filled my heart with so much pride. From the hard work, sacrifices, early mornings, disappointments, and moments nobody saw - you kept going, stayed disciplined, and trusted God through it all. And now look at you…representing your country on the national team.
"I don’t think you even realise how inspiring you are. You deserve every single moment of this because I’ve seen how much you’ve worked for it. Through every challenge, you never gave up on your dream, and that alone makes me so proud to stand beside you and support you through it all. No matter how far this journey takes you, just know I’ll always be your biggest supporter, loudest cheerleader, and safest place.
"This is only the beginning for you, my love. May God continue to guide your steps, protect you, and open even bigger doors for your future. Keep shining, keep believing, and keep making us proud.
"Your hard work is finally paying off and I know there’s still so much more greatness waiting for you."
Adams had been dealing with the recent loss of his beloved grandmother Marianna, 72, while playing in the World Cup.
She passed away on 17 June - which was just 24 hours before South Africa took on Czechia at the Atlanta Stadium in the group stages, which resulted in 1-1.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) said in a statement at the time: "She passed away in a hospital in Stellenbosch and will be laid to rest on Saturday, 27 June 2026.
"Jayden started in the match against Czechia and gave his all while carrying the burden of losing his grandmother."
SAFA president Danny Jordaan also said: "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."
Olivia Burke