JOHANNESBURG (AP) — South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams, who performed on the , has died. He was 25.
His demise was confirmed by Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s minister of sport, arts and tradition, in a press release on Saturday.
Commercial
“It’s with profound shock and a heavy coronary heart that I’ve learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams, midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, on the age of 25,” McKenzie posted on X.
“South African soccer has misplaced one in all its brightest younger skills, and our nation mourns alongside his household, his team-mates and the thousands and thousands of supporters.”
Adams helped South Africa attain the World Cup knockout stage .
Additional particulars of his demise weren’t given.
Commercial
“The reason for Jayden’s passing has not but been confirmed,” McKenzie stated. “I want to enchantment to members of the media and the general public to train restraint and compassion, and to chorus from hypothesis.”
Adams began South Africa’s first Group A recreation in opposition to the Czech Republic and was substituted at halftime. McKenzie stated he performed that recreation solely hours after studying that his grandmother had died.
Adams performed a number of seasons for Stellenbosch earlier than becoming a member of Mamelodi Sundowns final 12 months. He helped the membership win the CAF (African) Champions League this 12 months.
Commercial
“Loss of life has cruelly stolen one in all our personal. It has robbed our nation of a exceptional footballer,” the South African Soccer Gamers Union . “We are going to ceaselessly keep in mind his humility, his extraordinary expertise and the pleasure with which he represented South Africa. Relaxation in everlasting peace, Jayden. You’ll by no means be forgotten.”
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa and the South African Federation of Commerce Unions additionally expressed their condolences. ___
The Related Press
FILE – South Africa’s Jayden Adams throughout the World Cup Group A soccer match between Czechia and South Africa in Atlanta, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Picture/Stew Milne, File) – The Related Press
South Africa’s Jayden Adams (23) dances along with his teammates after a 1-0 win within the World Cup Group A soccer match between South Africa and South Korea in Guadalupe, close to Monterrey, Mexico, Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Picture/Sofia Yaker) – The Related Press
FILE – Mamelodi Sundowns’ Jayden Adams (8) controls the ball throughout a Membership World Cup group F soccer match in opposition to Ulsan HD, June 18, 2025 in Orlando, Fla. (AP Picture/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File) – The Related Press