Breaking News: South African Soccer Player Jayden Adams, a 2026 World Cup Participant, Passes Away at Age 25

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South African midfielder Jayden Adams, who represented his country at the ongoing World Cup, died Saturday at the age of 25, Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie said.

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“It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams,” McKenzie said in a statement.

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“South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents.”

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The minister did not disclose a cause of death.

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Police said they had opened an investigation after the body of a 25-year-old man was found at a house in Schotschekloof, a suburb in central Cape Town, on Saturday morning.

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“Circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation,” Western Cape police spokesperson FC van Wyk told AFP.

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Adams played in all three of South Africa’s group-stage matches at the tournament but did not feature in the knockout defeat by Canada.

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Born in Cape Town, he began his professional career with Stellenbosch FC before joining CAF Champions League winners Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025.

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His death comes less than a month after the passing of his grandmother, on the eve of South Africa’s Group A match against Czechia at Atlanta Stadium.

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“Jayden started in the match against Czechia and gave his all while carrying the burden of losing his grandmother,” the South African Football Association said at the time.

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AFP

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