South Africa World Cup midfielder Adams dies aged 25

South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, just weeks after featuring for his country at the World Cup. Adams played in all three of South Africa's group games at the tournament, where they reached the knockout stages before losing to co-hosts Canada in the round of 32. South Africa's minister of sport, arts and culture, Gayton McKenzie, expressed profound shock, stating that "South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents." Police in South Africa have opened an investigation after the body of a 25-year-old man was found at a house in a suburb of Cape Town on Saturday morning. McKenzie appealed for restraint and compassion, asking the public to refrain from speculation while the family and club are given privacy. The cause of death has not yet been confirmed. Adams started in the 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in Group A despite learning that his grandmother had passed away only hours before kick-off. The South African Football Players Union said it was "devastated by the untimely passing" of Adams, who made his debut for his country in 2022. The union noted that Adams had recently represented South Africa at the 2026 World Cup, calling his passing "an immeasurable loss." Adams began his career at Stellenbosch FC before moving to Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025, where he won league and African Champions League titles. He was part of the South Africa squad that reached the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals and later the World Cup squad that made history by reaching the knockout stages for the first time.