Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterSouth Africa midfielder Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25 just weeks after playing at the World Cup.Adams, who played in South Africa's first two matches of the tournament against Mexico and Czechia, reposted a picture of himself and his girlfriend on Instagram less than 24 hours before news of his death was reported.His death was confirmed by Gayton McKenzie, South Africas minister of sport, arts and culture, in a statement on Saturday.It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams, midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, at the age of 25, McKenzie posted on X.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. You may like USA squad World Cup 2026: Mauricio Pochettino's team for opening game with Paraguay South Africa squad World Cup 2026: The 26-man selection to face Czechia "Im just blank" Liverpool's �100m transfer target Yan Diomande reveals personal torment via heartbreaking open letter Adams helped South Africa reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time.Further details of his death were not given.Get the FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.The cause of Jaydens passing has not yet been confirmed, McKenzie said. I wish to appeal to members of the media and the public to exercise restraint and compassion, and to refrain from speculation.Adams started South Africas first Group A game against the Czechia and was substituted at halftime. McKenzie said he played that game only hours after learning that his grandmother had died.Adams played several seasons for Stellenbosch before joining Mamelodi Sundowns last year. He helped the club win the CAF (African) Champions League this year.TOPICSSouth AfricaWorld CupJames AndrewSocial Links NavigationEditorJames Andrew is the editor of FourFourTwo, overseeing both the magazine and website. James is an NCTJ qualified journalist and began his career as a news reporter in regional newspapers in 2006 before moving into sport a year later. In 2011 he started a six year stint on the sports desk at the Daily Mail and MailOnline. James was appointed editor of FourFourTwo in December 2019. Across his career James has interviewed the likes of Franco Baresi, Sir Alex Ferguson, David Beckham and Michael Owen. James has been a Fulham season ticket holder since the mid-1990s and enjoys watching them home and away, through promotion and relegation.
