ROME (ITALPRESS) – The passing of Jayden Adams has deeply shaken South African football. The Mamelodi Sundowns and national team midfielder died suddenly at the age of 25 after returning home. The cause of death has not yet been clarified and is being investigated by the relevant authorities. The tragedy comes just weeks after the player suffered another major personal loss: his grandmother, 72-year-old Marianna Adams, passed away on June 17—barely twenty-four hours before South Africa’s opening match against the Czech Republic in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup, held in Atlanta. Despite this extremely difficult personal situation, Adams chose to remain with his teammates. The South African squad made history by qualifying for the World Cup knockout stage for the first time, before being eliminated in the Round of 32 following a 1-0 defeat against Canada, one of the host nations. The midfielder started the tournament’s first two matches and came on as a substitute in the third; he had earned a total of nine caps and scored one goal for the national team.
In a message of condolence, the South African Football Players Union (SAFPU)—the country’s official players’ union—paid tribute to the 25-year-old: “Death has cruelly taken one of our own. It has robbed our nation of an extraordinary footballer, but it can never take away the legacy Jayden Adams leaves behind. We will forever remember his humility, his extraordinary talent, and the pride with which he represented South Africa. Rest in eternal peace, Jayden. You will never be forgotten.”
– photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
