South Africa World Cup Midfielder Jayden Adams Dies Aged 25

Johannesburg: South African midfielder Jayden Adams, who played in the World Cup, passed away. He was 25 years old.

His death was confirmed in a statement on Saturday by South African Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie.

“It is with deep shock and sadness that I learn of the passing of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams, aged 25,” McKenzie shared on X.

“South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents and our nation mourns alongside his family, teammates and millions of fans.”

Adams helped South Africa reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time.

No further details regarding his death were given.

“Jayden’s cause of death has not yet been confirmed,” McKenzie said. “I would like to call on members of the media and the public to act with restraint and compassion and avoid speculation.”

A moment of silence was observed in Adams’ honor before the World Cup quarter-final between Norway and England in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Saturday.

Adams started South Africa’s first Group A matches against Mexico and the Czech Republic. McKenzie said Adams played the second game just hours after learning his grandmother had died. He came on as a second-half substitute in the third match against South Korea.

Adams played for Stellenbosch for several seasons before joining Mamelodi Sundowns last year. He helped the club win the CAF (African) Champions League this year.

The South African Footballers’ Association wrote on X: “Death has cruelly stolen one of our own. It has deprived our nation of an outstanding footballer.” “We will forever remember his humility, extraordinary talent and pride in representing South Africa. Rest in eternal peace, Jayden. You will never be forgotten.”

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and the South African Federation of Trade Unions also expressed their condolences.