Sadness enveloped football circles in South Africa after the announcement on Saturday of the death of national team and Mamelodi Sundowns star Jayden Adams, days after his country's exit from the World Cup.

The South African Football Players' Union issued a statement expressing its profound shock, saying: "The union received with great sadness and sorrow the tragic and early death of Jayden Adams (25), the Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder. Jayden recently represented his country in the 2026 World Cup finals with pride, courage, and skill, carrying the hopes of the nation."

The statement added: "His passing represents an irreplaceable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, the sports community, and the entire nation. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, Sundowns, the national team, and everyone whose lives he touched. South African football has lost an exceptional talent and a devoted servant of the game, a young life that still had so much to offer."

So far, the family, Mamelodi Sundowns, and the South African national team have not officially announced the cause of death, while those close to the player have asked for respect for his family's privacy during this difficult time, pending an official statement revealing further details.

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Adams was a key pillar in Belgian coach Hugo Broos' squad during the global showpiece this summer, playing in all three of South Africa's group stage matches against Mexico, the Czech Republic, and South Korea, while remaining on the bench for the Round of 32 match which South Africa lost to Canada 1-0.

Highlighting the extent of his sacrifice, reports revealed that Adams played the match against the Czech Republic in the World Cup just one day after his grandmother's death.

The late star played 9 international matches for the senior team, and was part of the Bafana Bafana generation that won the historic bronze medal at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.