Cape Town [South Africa], July 11 (ANI): South African international and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, according to South African news outlet Soccer Laduma.
Adams represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and was scheduled to leave for his club’s preseason tour of Europe on Saturday.
Widely regarded as one of South Africa’s brightest football talents, Adams enjoyed a rapid rise over the past two seasons, earning a place in the senior national team’s FIFA World Cup squad.
Brendine Johnson, Adams’ mentor, said the footballer’s death had devastated his family and those close to him. He said Adams had returned from the World Cup in high spirits and was looking forward to the upcoming season, making the tragedy even more heartbreaking.
“At this moment, things are still raw. The family wouldn’t want to be contacted right now because they wouldn’t be able to answer anyone. This passing has ripped everybody apart. He had just returned from the World Cup, and then we received such news,” Johnson told Soccer Laduma.
“I had a close conversation with him on Thursday. He was really positive about returning after the World Cup and going back as a CAF champion. Knowing what lay ahead, he was prepared. He enjoyed being at home with his family.”
Johnson asked that the family’s privacy be respected during this difficult time.
“At this moment, I don’t even have words to say, but we ask that the family’s privacy be respected. Yes, I can tell you that he passed away. Nobody expected this,” he said.
At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, South Africa was eliminated in the Round of 32 after a 1-0 defeat to co-host Canada. (ANI)
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