Death of South Africa national team player Jayden Adams a few days after his participation in the 2026 World Cup

Algiers, July 11 (KUNA) -- South African Sports Minister Gaeton Makenzi announced on Saturday the death of South African national team and Mamelodi Sundowns player Jayden Adams, 25, just days after he represented his country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In a statement, Makenzi said the cause of death had not yet been confirmed, urging the media and the public to avoid speculation and to respect the privacy of the player’s family and club until official information is released by the competent authorities. He added that South African football has lost one of its most prominent young talents, praising Adams’ career trajectory from the youth academy to representing the national team. For her part, South African police announced they have opened an investigation into Adams’ death after he was found dead in his home in the suburb of Kuils River in Cape Town. Adams had played in all three of South Africa’s group-stage matches at the World Cup, currently being held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and helped his team reach the knockout stage before being eliminated in the Round of 32. (End) M.R. / M.A. H.A.