South African football has been rocked by the tragic death of Jayden Adams, aged 25. Adams competed for South Africa during their World Cup campaign which ended less than two weeks ago.Adams [left] has passed away less than two weeks after being at the World CupGettyThe midfielder played in all three group matches, starting the first two, and was an unused substitute in the round of 32 defeat to Canada. A statement from the South African Football Players Union said: “The SAFPU is devastated by the untimely passing of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder, Jayden Adams.“Jayden had only recently represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, carrying the hopes of the nation with pride, courage, and distinction.“His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, the football fraternity and country at large.“We extend our deepest condolences to the Adams family, Mamelodi Sundowns, Stellenbosch FC, Bafana Bafana and all those whose lives he touched.“South African football has lost a gifted player, a proud servant of the game and a young life that still had so much to offer.“May his soul rest in eternal peace.”A cause of death has not been made public and a spokesperson requested privacy on behalf of the family.Adams made headlines during the World Cup, putting grief aside to play in the 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic. The midfielder took to the field just one day after his grandmother died. Adams played a total of 116 minutes at the World CupAFPHe won nine caps for South Africa in total after making his debut in 2022 and scored two goals. Born in Cape Town, Adams started his career in the academy for Stellenbosch. The midfielder went on to make more than 100 appearances for the club’s senior team between 2020 and 2025. Adams joined Mamelodi Sundows, the most successful club in South Africa’s history, in 2025. He went on to make 40 appearances for the club in the South African Premiership.