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A professional footballer who competed in the World Cup less than two weeks ago has died at age 25.
The Football Players’ Union of South Africa has announced the “untimely death” of midfielder Jayden Adams.
“Death cruelly stole one of our own. It robbed our nation of a remarkable footballer, but it will never take away the legacy that Jayden Adams leaves behind,” the union said in a message posted on social media.
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Jayden Adams of South Africa runs with the ball during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A match between Mexico and South Africa at Mexico City Stadium on June 11, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Juan Luis Diaz/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
“We will always remember his humility, his extraordinary talent and the pride with which he represented South Africa. Rest in eternal peace, Jayden. You will never be forgotten.”
“Jayden only recently represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, carrying the nation’s hopes with pride, courage and distinction,” the SAFPU said in a separate statement on Saturday. “His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, the football fraternity and the country as a whole.”
No cause of death was immediately known.
Jayden Adams of South Africa competes during a Group A match between Mexico and South Africa during the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Mexico City Stadium in Mexico City, Mexico on June 11, 2026. (Wu Wei/Xinhua via Getty Images)
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Adams started South Africa’s opening World Cup match, a 2–0 loss to hosts Mexico. He also started the team’s draw against the Czech Republic before coming off the bench in South Africa’s 1–0 win over South Korea, which earned them a place in the round of 16.
He spent six seasons with Stellenbosch FC before joining Mamelodi Sundowns.
Adams did not play in the knockout stage.
Jayden Adams of South Africa passes during a 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A match against Czechia at Atlanta Stadium, Georgia on June 18, 2026. (Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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He was a member of Mamelodi Sundowns, who won the CAF Champions League title last year.
Adams has scored two goals in nine appearances for South Africa.
