Erik Lira #6 of Mexico passes the ball against Jayden Adams #23 of South Africa during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between Mexico and South Africa at Mexico City Stadium on June 11, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. Carl Recine/Getty Images
A soccer star who represented South Africa in the 2026 FIFA World Cup has died.
Midfielder Jayden Adams died at the age of 25, according to a statement issued by the South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) on July 11.
“Death has cruelly stolen one of our own,” the statement read.
“It has robbed our nation of a remarkable footballer, but it will never take away the legacy Jayden Adams leaves behind. We will forever remember his humility, his extraordinary talent and the pride with which he represented South Africa.”
The union did not reveal the athlete’s cause of death.
“It’s so incredibly sad to hear that South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams has passed away just weeks after featuring in his nation’s historic FIFA World Cup campaign,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino wrote in a statement on Saturday.
Adams and his team helped South Africa reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time this summer.
He played three matches during the tournament, including being tapped as a starter in South Africa’s first Group A game against the Czech Republic in Atlanta on June 18.
The game ended in a 1–1 draw.
The player, who was one of five midfielders on the team, was substituted out at halftime, as it was revealed he had played the game hours after learning of his grandmother’s death.
South Africa was eventually knocked out in the Round of 32 after losing to Canada 1-0 in extra time during a match in Los Angeles on June 28.
Adams made nine appearances for South Africa.
Prior to playing in the World Cup, Adams spent several seasons playing in South Africa for Stellenbosch before he joined Mamelodi Sundowns in 2025.
“A proud flagbearer for the Cape Winelands, Jayden leaves behind a lasting legacy in Stellenbosch and an enduring impact on South African football. He will be deeply missed, and never forgotten,” the Stellenbosch Football Club said in a statement on Saturday.
Adams made his professional football debut with the Stellenbosch Football Club.
“As the African football family, we stand in complete solidarity with his loved ones, teammates, and SAFPU,” FIFPRO Africa wrote in an X post on Saturday.
“Death has taken an extraordinary talent, but his humility, pride, and legacy on the pitch will never fade.”
