Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank 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 inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAdams played for South Africa at the World Cup (AP)South African World Cup footballer Jayden Adams, aged 25, was discovered dead at a property in the Schotsnek Kloof neighbourhood of Cape Town over the weekend. His death comes just two weeks after he played a significant role in helping the national team reach the knockout stage of a World Cup for the first time in their history. Cape Town central police have registered an inquest and are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding Adams' passing, with the official cause of death yet to be released. Adams' father, Juanito Adams, confirmed the family is awaiting autopsy results and is struggling to process the untimely loss, while South Africa's Sports Minister urged the public and media to refrain from speculating on the cause. Tributes were paid to the young player, with moments of silence observed at Saturday's World Cup quarter-final matches, including the games between England and Norway, and Argentina versus Switzerland. In fullPolice launch investigation after South Africa World Cup star Jayden Adams found deadMore 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

South African national football has been thrown into mourning following the death of Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams at the age of 25 after his 2026 World Cup match…

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