South African footballer Jayden Adams has died just weeks after returning home from the 2026 World Cup. The 25-year-old midfielder’s body was found on July 11 at a house in the Scottschekloof area of Cape Town. Authorities confirmed his identity, but the cause of death remains unknown. Police have opened an investigation into the incident.

South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, expressed deep sorrow, calling Adams one of the nation’s brightest young talents. He urged the public to avoid speculation until the cause of death is confirmed and asked for patience from Adams’s family and club. The South African Football Players Union described his passing as an irreparable loss for the country’s football community.

Adams played in all three of South Africa’s group matches at the 2026 World Cup, helping the team reach the knockout stage for the first time before losing to host nation Canada. FIFA President Gianni Infantino also extended condolences, calling the news deeply saddening.