Editorial Team/Staff Writers
South Africa’s midfielder Jayden Adams has died only weeks after returning from the FIFA World Cup 2026, local media reported.
According to TimesLIVE, a news site, Mr Adams’s death was confirmed by Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie.
But he said the cause of the footballer’s death had not been confirmed.
“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,” the minister said, using the name of the club the midfielder played for.
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He said official information would be communicated by the appropriate parties in due course.
Western Cape police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said an investigation had been ordered, adding that officers responded to the scene at about 11:06am on July 11 and discovered the body of a 25-year-old male, according to TimesLIVE.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation,” Mr Van Wyk said.
South Africans speculated the midfielder had taken his life, the website reported, but stressed that the cause of his death had not been confirmed.
Mr Adams featured in all three of South Africa’s group games at the tournament, where Bafana Bafana reached the knockout stages before losing to co-hosts Canada in the round of 32.
He started in the 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in Group A despite learning that his grandmother had passed away only hours before kick-off, BBC Sport reported.
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The South African Football Players Union said it was “devastated by the untimely passing” of Mr Adams who made his debut for his country in 2022.
“Jayden had only recently represented South Africa at the 2026 World Cup, carrying the hopes of the nation with pride, courage and distinction,” the union said.
“His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, team-mates, clubs, the football fraternity and the country at large.
“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.”
Mr Adams started his career at Stellenbosch FC, before moving to Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025, where he won league and African Champions League titles.
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