Police in South Africa open probe into post-World Cup death of Jayden Adams

By Reuters

Originally published on 13 Jul 202613 Jul 2026.

Adams was a key player for the South African national team during their World Cup campaign, known for his resilience in the face of personal loss.

Authorities in Cape Town, South Africa, have launched an investigation into the death of footballer Jayden Adams, whose body was discovered shortly after his return from the FIFA World Cup in North America.

Adams, a 25-year-old midfielder for South Africa's national team, was found dead at a residence in the Schotsche Kloof neighborhood of Cape Town. His death was confirmed on Saturday by the South African Football Players Union.

The cause of death has not been revealed.

Adams started two of the three World Cup matches he appeared in for South Africa, despite the death of his grandmother, Marianna, one day before the 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic. He started in that match, as well as the game in which South Africa lost 2-0 to Mexico. He was a substitute in a 1-0 win over South Korea.

He was an unused substitute when South Africa was knocked out of the tournament by Canada on June 28.

“The family is struggling to process it. It won’t be easy to carry on,” the player’s father, Juanito Adams, said on Sunday, according to South Africa news service eNCA.

“People say it will become easier, but it won’t. You just learn to live with it. So, we’ll see what the time ahead holds for us.

“The whole world is reacting to Jayden’s death. Like I said, it’s very tough. We can see the love the world had for his soccer and for Jayden.”

A moment of silence was held for Adams before the quarterfinal match between England and Norway on Saturday.

“I shall carry forever the humble, appreciative response he gave me,” South Africa minister of sports, arts and culture, Gayton McKenzie, said in a statement, referencing Adams’s decision to play so soon after his grandmother’s death.

“That he chose to wear the national jersey and give his all for his country in that moment speaks to a depth of character and professionalism well beyond his years, and it reflects the calibre of young man South Africa has lost.”

The cause of Adams' death has not been disclosed, and the police investigation is ongoing. His father's emotional remarks reflect the family's struggle to cope, while the moment of silence held before a World Cup quarterfinal match highlights the global respect for the late player.