Jayden Adams, a midfielder who played for South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has died at the age of 25, the South Africa Football Players Union announced. His cause of death was not immediately known.
Adams had recently represented South Africa in the World Cup tournament, which concluded less than two weeks prior to his passing. The union described his death as an "untimely passing" and "an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, the football fraternity and the country at large."
"We will forever remember his humility, his extraordinary talent and the pride with which he represented South Africa," the union stated in a social media post. "Rest in eternal peace, Jayden. You will never be forgotten."
Adams was a key player for South Africa in the World Cup, starting the team's opening match against Mexico and appearing in other group stage games. He was part of the squad that secured a place in the Round of 32. The midfielder played six seasons with Stellenbosch FC before joining Mamelodi Sundowns, with whom he won the CAF Champions League title last year. He scored two goals in nine appearances for the national team.