South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams has died at 25 years old, just weeks after helping his team reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time.
The cause of Adams' death is unknown.
The South African Football Players Union announced Adams’ passing in a statement shared on social media.
Adams started Group A matches against Mexico and the Czech Republic before coming off the bench in the 1-0 victory over South Korea, a result that secured his team’s first-ever place in the knockout stage. According to Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s minister of sport, arts and culture, Adams took the field just hours after learning of his grandmother's death.
South Africa's World Cup campaign ended in the knockout round when they lost to Canada.
Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club said in a statement that it is devastated by the "tragic passing" of their teammate.
"We pray that the Almighty God comforts and strengthens the Adams family, his friends, and everyone that knew him," the team said. "Sundowns respectfully ask that the family's privacy be honoured as they grieve this profound loss."
McKenzie also issued a statement about Adams' death and expressed his condolences.
“It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams, midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, at the age of 25,” McKenzie said. “South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents, and our nation mourns alongside his family, his team-mates and the millions of supporters."
FIFA President Gianni Infantino also offered his support on social media, saying his "thoughts and condolences” are with FIFA, Adams' family, and his team.
Adams began his football career in the youth academy at Stellenbosch Football Club and transferred to Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025, where he helped his team win the CAF Champions League prior to his World Cup appearances. The midfielder made his debut for the South African national team against Mozambique in 2022 and went on to earn 13 international caps. He scored two goals for his country during the qualification campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.