South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams dies at 25, just weeks after representing the national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, multiple outlets report. Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie says he learned of Adams’ death in a statement. Adams played in the group stage, featuring in all or part of South Africa’s matches at the tournament: he started against Mexico and Czechia, and appeared as a substitute in the match against South Korea when South Africa advanced to the knockout stage for the first time in the country’s history, according to reports. He did not play in the last-32 match against Canada as South Africa were eliminated. Adams is described as coming through Stellenbosch’s ranks, winning nine caps and scoring two goals for South Africa. At club level, he joined Mamelodi Sundowns in 2025. Stellenbosch and the South African Football Players Union issue condolences and statements calling for privacy. Details about the circumstances of his death remain unclear across coverage.