South Africa rocked by death of World Cup midfielder after history-making campaign: ‘An immeasurable loss’
South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams died at the age of 25 after representing Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. South Africa’s football players union confirmed his passing on Sunday (AEST), though no official cause of death was revealed. Adams started two of the three World Cup matches he appeared in as Bafana Bafana […]
South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams died at the age of 25 after representing Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. South Africa’s football players union confirmed his passing on Sunday (AEST), though no official cause of death was revealed. Adams started two of the three World Cup matches he appeared in as Bafana Bafana reached the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time in their history. He started against co-hosts Mexico and Czechia before he was a substitute against South Korea. Prior to the World Cup, Adams – whose grandmother died one day before the clash with Czechia – helped South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns win the CAF Champions League. There was a minute silence before Norway’s quarter-final showdown against England on Sunday (AEST). “The South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) is devastated by the untimely passing of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams,” a statement read. “Jayden had only recently represented South Africa at the 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 the 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. ”South Africa’s minister for sport, arts and culture Gayton 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 teammates 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 (Adams’s club) 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. ”FIFA president Gianni Infantino expressed his condolences, adding: “It is so incredibly sad to hear that South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams has passed away just weeks after featuring in his nation’s historic FIFA World Cup campaign. “My thoughts and condolences, as well as those of everyone at FIFA and the global football community, are with his family, friends and teammates. The Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns star will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace. ”By commenting, you agree to ourCommenting Guidelines