South African soccer star Jayden Adams has tragically died just weeks after representing his country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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Adams, 25, was found dead at a house in Schotschekloof, a suburb in central Cape Town, on Saturday morning.
The midfielder earned 13 caps for South Africa after making his international debut in July 2022. He played for Mamelodi Sundowns at the domestic level.
Soccer Star Dies Weeks After World Cup Campaign
Adams featured in all three of South Africa's group-stage matches as the nation reached the knockout rounds of the World Cup for the first time in its history.
Their historic run came to an end with a defeat to co-hosts Canada in the round of 32.
"It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams," South Africa's Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton 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 who watched him grow from a promising academy prospect into a full Bafana Bafana international."
South African police have launched an investigation to determine the cause and manner of Adams' death.
McKenzie urged both the media and the public to "refrain from speculation" and to show "restraint and compassion" while authorities carry out their investigation.
He added that authorities will communicate any official findings in due course.
FIFA Leads Tributes to Jayden Adams
Ahead of South Africa's 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic in the group stage, Adams learned that his grandmother had died just hours before kickoff.
Despite the heartbreaking news, he started the match.
He also featured from the outset against Mexico before coming off the bench in the team's crucial 1-0 victory over South Korea. The latter result secured a place in the knockout rounds.
"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 said.
"My thoughts and condolences, as well as those of everyone at Fifa and the global football community, are with his family, friends and team-mates. The Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns star will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace."
Adams came through the youth academy at Stellenbosch. He spent five years with the first team before joining Mamelodi Sundowns in 2025.
He was also part of the South Africa squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
