South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams, who featured in Bafana Bafana's run to the World Cup round of 32, has died, the South African Football Players Union confirmed Saturday. He was 25.
Adams started two of South Africa's three group games and came off the bench in a 1-0 win over South Korea that sealed their place in the knockout rounds for the first time in their history on June 24.
He was an unused substitute when South Africa were knocked out of the tournament by Canada on June 28.
"Jayden had only recently represented South Africa at the FIFA World Cup, carrying the hopes of the nation with pride, courage and distinction," the South African Football Players Union said in a statement. "His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, the football fraternity and the country at large.
"We extend our deepest condolences to the Adams family, Mamelodi Sundowns, Stellenbosch FC, Bafana Bafana and all those whose lives he touched.
"South African football has lost a gifted player, a proud servant of the game and a young life that still had so much to offer."
Further details of his death were not given.
"Cape Town Central police registered an Inquest for investigation following the discovery of the body of a 25-year-old male on Saturday, 2026-07-11 at 11:06 at a premises in Military Road, Scotscheskloof," Western Cape South African Police Service spokesperson F.C. van Wyk told ESPN.
"Circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation."
Adams started South Africa's 2-0 loss to Mexico and 1-1 draw with Czechia, playing in the latter game despite the death of his grandmother, Marianna Adams, the previous day.
Adams then came off the bench in the 1-0 win over South Korea, which proved to be his final game.
"When I reached out to Jayden [following the death of his grandmother] to offer my condolences and encouragement, I shall carry forever the humble, appreciative response he gave me," Minister of Sports, Arts & Culture of South Africa Gayton McKenzie said in a Saturday statement.
"That he chose to wear the national jersey and give his all for his country in that moment speaks to a depth of character and professionalism well beyond his years, and it reflects the caliber of young man South Africa has lost."
A moment of silence in memory of Adams was held before Saturday's World Cup quarterfinal between Norway and England.
"It is so incredibly sad to hear that South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams has passed away just weeks after featuring in his nation's historic FIFA World Cup campaign," FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in a statement posted on social media.
"My thoughts and condolences, as well as those of everyone at FIFA and the global football community, are with his family, friends and team-mates. The Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns star will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace."
Adams played several seasons for Stellenbosch before joining Mamelodi Sundowns last year.
Adams won the CAF Champions League with Mamelodi Sundowns in May and dedicated his winners' medal to Oshwin Andries, a former Stellenbosch teammate who died in 2023 after a stabbing.
Mamelodi Sundowns said they were "devastated by the tragic passing of Jayden Adams."
"We pray that the Almighty God comforts and strengths the Adams family, his friends and everyone that knew him," the club added.
"Sundowns respectfully ask that the family's privacy be honoured as they grieve this profound loss."
Adams and Andries came up the ranks at Stellenbosch together, and the club suffered the loss of another young player early in 2026 with the death of Jeandre Gaffoor.