Johannesburg: South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams, who played at the World Cup, has died. He was 25.
His death was confirmed by Gayton McKenzie, South Africaโs Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, in a statement on Saturday.
โIt 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,โ McKenzie posted on X.
โSouth African football has lost one of its brightest young talents, and our nation mourns alongside his family, his teammates and the millions of supporters.โ
Adams helped South Africa reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time.
Police said they were investigating the incident after the body of a 25-year-old was found at a house in Schotsche Kloof, a suburb in central Cape Town. โCircumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation,โ Western Cape police spokesperson FC van Wyk told AFP.
Further details of his death were not given.
โThe cause of Jaydenโs passing has not yet been confirmed,โ McKenzie said. โI wish to appeal to members of the media and the public to exercise restraint and compassion, and to refrain from speculation.โ
Adams started South Africaโs first Group A game against the Czech Republic and was substituted at half-time. 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.
โDeath has cruelly stolen one of our own. It has robbed our nation of a remarkable footballer,โ the South African Football Players Union posted on X. โWe will forever remember his humility, his extraordinary talent and the pride with which he represented South Africa. Rest in eternal peace, Jayden. You will never be forgotten.โ
South Africaโs President Cyril Ramaphosa and the South African Federation of Trade Unions also expressed their condolences.
From our partners
About the Author
