South Africa midfielder Jaiden Adams dies at 25 after World Cup appearances

South Africa international and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jaiden Adams has died at the age of 25, days after representing his country at the 2026 World Cup. South African outlet Soccer Laduma reported that Adams made three appearances in the tournament for Bafana Bafana, and the cause of death has not been disclosed. Adams's representatives confirmed his death, according to Soccer Laduma. Mamelodi Sundowns said the club would not issue an official statement on his passing and called for privacy for his family. A member of the player's circle said the family was in shock and grieving, adding that Adams had not been in low spirits after the World Cup and had been preparing for the new season and for Sundowns's CAF Champions League campaign. The South African Football Association had not released an official statement at the time of publication.