Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleJayden Adams helped South Africa reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time ever (Getty)South African footballer Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25. The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder recently represented Bafana Bafana at the World Cup 2026, helping them reach the knock-out stage for the first time in their history. Adams played all three group games for his country in the tournament, starting against Mexico and featuring as a substitute in two other matches. Details surrounding his passing remain unclear, with the South African Football Players Union expressing its devastation at the untimely loss. A bright talent, Adams had collected nine caps and scored two goals for Bafana Bafana, and had recently lost his grandmother two weeks prior. In fullSouth Africa star Jayden Adams dies, aged 25, weeks after starring at World Cup 2026More bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

The midfielder represented South Africa at this summer's World Cup

Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams has reportedly died at the age of 25, less than a month after helping South Africa reach the FIFA World Cup knockout…