Sport

South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, just weeks after representing Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His death was confirmed by South Africa's Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie in an official statement on Saturday. No cause of death has been given. Reports say Adams was found dead at a hotel in Cape Town. His club asked the public and media to exercise restraint and compassion and to refrain from speculation. Adams featured in all three of South Africa's group stage matches at the World Cup — starting the 2-0 loss to Mexico and the 1-1 draw with Czechia, then coming off the bench in the 1-0 win over South Korea that sent Bafana Bafana into the Round of 32 for the first time in the country's history. South Africa exited the tournament in the Round of 32 to co-hosts Canada — a match Adams did not feature in. His first World Cup appearance came just hours after he learned his grandmother had passed away. He had spent six seasons with Stellenbosch FC before joining Mamelodi Sundowns, where he helped the club win the CAF Champions League earlier this year. Less than 24 hours before news of his death emerged, Adams had reposted a photograph of himself and his girlfriend Aqueelah Adendorf on Instagram. FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his condolences saying it was so incredibly sad to hear of Adams' passing just weeks after featuring in his nation's historic World Cup campaign.

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