South African Soccer Star Jayden Adams Dead at 25 Weeks After Making His World Cup Appearance

South African soccer star Jayden Adams died at 25, weeks after representing the country at the 2026 World Cup. The South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) said it was “devastated” by the untimely passing of the Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder on Saturday, July 11. Adams appeared in South Africa’s 2-0 loss to Mexico and its 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic. He was a substitute in the national team’s 1-0 win over South Korea, and did not feature in the 1-0 defeat to Canada that eliminated South Africa from the 2026 tournament. Sports minister Gayton McKenzie said no official cause of death had been confirmed. The minister asked media and the public to avoid speculation. Adams is survived by partner Aqueelah Adendorf and their 5-year-old daughter.