JOHANNESBURG: South African international midfielder Jayden Adams, who recently represented Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has died at the age of 25, South Africa’s sports ministry confirmed on Saturday. No cause of death was announced.
Adams featured in all three of South Africa’s group-stage matches and was part of the squad that reached the knockout stage before being eliminated by Canada. He played club football for Mamelodi Sundowns after joining the Pretoria-based side in 2025, helping the club win the 2025-26 CAF Champions League.
The South African Football Players’ Union paid tribute to Adams, describing him as a gifted footballer and a proud servant of the game.
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie also extended condolences, praising Adams’ rise from a youth prospect to a full international.
Local media reported that Adams’ family has requested privacy as they grieve. While speculation about the circumstances surrounding his death has circulated on social media, authorities have not confirmed a cause, and no official statement has attributed his death to suicide.
More read, FIFA World Cup: Canada defeats South Africa and qualifies for Round of 16
Earlier, Canada defeated South Africa 1-0 in their World Cup Round of 32 knockout match in Los Angeles. Canada will now move on to the Round of 16, playing either Morocco or the Netherlands in Houston on July 4.
Eustaquio received the ball at the edge of the South Africa penalty area and struck it powerfully past diving goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, ending the first knockout match of the tournament in a thrilling way on Sunday.
South Africa, who seemed satisfied to aim for extra time and possibly a penalty shootout, made a few strong but unsuccessful attempts to equalize before the final whistle as the sun came out at Los Angeles Stadium.
