A South African soccer player was found dead on Saturday just weeks after he appeared in the FIFA World Cup.
Jayden Adams, 25, was found dead in a home near Cape Town. South Africa’s minister of sport, arts and culture Gayton McKenzie confirmed Adams’ death in a statement.
“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,” McKenzie said, via Michael Short of the BBC.
No cause of death was provided, and a family spokesperson requested privacy at this time.
Adams played in all three of South Africa’s group games at the World Cup, and was in the starting lineup for their 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic. He also played professionally for Mamelodi Sundowns in the South African Premiership.
Adams made 13 career appearances for the national team and scored two goals. Both of those goals came in 2025 during World Cup qualifying matches.
