South African footballer Jayden Adams has passed away at the age of 25 after his FIFA debut.
According to reports, his body was found at a house in Schotschekloof, a suburb in central Cape Town. The cause of his death is unknown as of yet.
South Africa’s minister of sport, arts and culture, Gayton McKenzie, said, “South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents, and our nation mourns alongside his family, his team-mates and the millions of supporters who watched him grow from a promising academy prospect into a full Bafana Bafana international.”
Jayden Adams started in the 1-1 Group A draw against the Czech Republic despite learning just hours before kick-off that his grandmother had passed away.
South Africa was eliminated from the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a 1-0 loss to co-hosts Canada in the Round of 32 on June 28 at the Los Angeles Stadium.
The footballer has a daughter with Aqueelah Chloe Adendorf.
Mourning this death, she said, “Rest in peace, my love. Thank you for every memory, every laugh, every hug, and every moment we shared. You were not only the love of my life but also my greatest supporter and my best friend.”
“A part of my heart is left with you, and I will carry your love with me forever. Until we meet again, I’ll miss you every single day”, she added.
