South African police announced on 13/7 that they have opened an investigation after the body of a 25-year-old man was discovered around 11:00 on 11/7. "The circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated," authorities stated, adding that the cause of death and other details have not yet been released.

South African midfielder Jayden Adams during the match against South Korea in Group A of the 2026 World Cup at Monterrey Stadium, Monterrey, Mexico on 24/6/2026. *Photo: Reuters*

The news sent shockwaves through South African football, as Adams had just represented the nation at the 2026 World Cup, where they advanced past the group stage for the first time. The player, born in 2001, passed away only two weeks after his team's elimination from the tournament.

Adams' father, Juanito Adams, stated that the family is awaiting autopsy results before finalizing funeral arrangements. He told South African broadcaster eNCA, "My son's departure was too sudden. The family cannot yet accept this loss. People often say that time will heal, but that is not true. We can only learn to live with the pain."

South African Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie also urged the public and media to refrain from speculating on the cause of Adams' death while the investigation is ongoing. He requested everyone show respect and empathy for the player's family during this difficult period.

McKenzie also revealed that Adams had received news of his grandmother's passing just hours before South Africa's group stage match against the Czech Republic at the 2026 World Cup, yet he still chose to play. According to McKenzie, this dedication demonstrated the 25-year-old midfielder's resilience and professionalism.

At the 2026 World Cup, Adams played in all three of South Africa's group stage matches, starting two of them against the Czech Republic and Mexico. In the final group stage game, a victory against South Korea, he came on as a substitute and played the last 10 minutes. After the African representatives secured their spot in the round of 16, Adams and his teammates celebrated joyfully on the Monterrey pitch on 24/6.

However, Adams did not play in the 0-1 loss to Canada in the round of 16 on 28/6. This was also South Africa's final match of the tournament.

Adams' passing led to numerous tributes from FIFA and the 2026 World Cup organizers. Before the two quarter-final matches, England against Norway and Argentina against Switzerland, on 11/7, a minute of silence was observed in memory of the South African midfielder.

Adams was considered a promising midfielder in South African football. He developed at the Stellenbosch academy and signed his first professional contract in 2020. He was a key player in helping Mamelodi Sundowns win the African Champions League in 2025-2026, and subsequently played in both the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 and the 2026 World Cup.

Hoang An (according to AP, ESPN)