South African Midfielder Adams, Who Played Against Korea, Dies at 25

Jayden Adams, the 25-year-old midfielder for the South African national football team that achieved its first-ever tournament appearance at the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, has been found dead.

Foreign media outlets, including the Associated Press, reported the news of Adams' passing on July 12 (KST).

Gayton McKenzie, South Africa's Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, stated on his X account that day, "I am deeply shocked to hear that Mamelodi Sundowns and South African national team midfielder Adams has passed away at the age of 25." He added, "South African football has lost a shining young talent. I join the fans in mourning."

Minister McKenzie urged, "The cause of Jayden's death has not yet been confirmed. Please refrain from speculation regarding the cause of death."

According to the British BBC, South African police launched an investigation after discovering Adams' body at a home in Soshanguve, on the outskirts of Cape Town, on July 11 (local time).

After transferring to the prestigious South African club Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025, Adams experienced both a league title and an African Football Confederation (CAF) Champions League victory. He was included in the final roster for the North and Central America World Cup, where he was part of the team that set a historic record by reaching the tournament stage for the first time.

He appeared in all three of South Africa's group stage matches in Group A during the tournament, though he remained on the bench for the Round of 32 match against Canada.

Adams' appearance as a substitute in the third group stage match against South Korea was his final game of the tournament.

Prior to the kickoff of the North and Central America World Cup quarterfinal match between England and Norway held that day, players from both teams paid tribute to the memory of Adams.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.