By Ghazali Ibrahim
South Africa international midfielder Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, just days after representing Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) confirmed the player’s death on Saturday, expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
In a statement, the union said it was “devastated by the untimely passing” of the talented midfielder, who featured in three matches for South Africa during the recently concluded World Cup.
Adams’ mentor, Brendine Johnson, described the news as a devastating shock, saying the family is still coming to terms with the tragedy.
According to Johnson, the midfielder had been looking forward to returning home after the World Cup and continuing his football career.
“He was really positive about returning after the World Cup and being able to continue, knowing what lies ahead. He was prepared. He loved spending his time at home with his family,” Johnson said.
He added: “Nobody expected this. At this moment, I don’t even have words to say, but we ask that the family’s privacy be respected.”
The cause of Adams’ death has not been disclosed.
Tributes have continued to pour in from the South African football community, with fans, teammates and football stakeholders mourning the loss of one of the country’s promising midfielders.
