Jayden Adams, the 25-year-old South African midfielder, died days after his team's elimination from the 2026 World Cup. Authorities confirmed the death but have not released the cause.
Jayden Adams was born on 5 May 2001 in Cape Town. He began his career at Stellenbosch FC and signed for Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025, where he played as a midfielder.
During the 2026 World Cup he featured in three group-stage matches for South Africa. He started against Mexico and the Czech Republic and came on as a substitute against South Korea. That match was his last.
South African sports minister Gayton McKenzie confirmed the death and said the body was found in Schotsche Kloof, Cape Town. Police are investigating, but the cause remains unknown. FIFA and the South African Footballers Union expressed their condolences.
