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South African football was plunged into mourning after the sudden death of Mamelodi Sundowns and South Africa national team midfielder Jayden Adams at the age of 25, just days after his World Cup campaign ended, according to the country's players' association.

The South African Players' Association wrote on platform X: "The association expresses its profound sadness at the death of Jayden Adams, Mamelodi Sundowns and South Africa national team midfielder, at such a young age."

Sundowns have not yet issued a statement, nor has the cause of the player's death been announced.

The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder had received news of his grandmother's death just hours before South Africa's match against the Czech Republic in Group A, according to former national team captain Doctor Khumalo.

Adams wore the South Africa jersey in the 2026 World Cup, where the team reached the round of 32 before losing 1-0 to Canada.

News of the death of South Africa player Jayden Adams

He played in all three of South Africa's group stage matches but remained on the bench during the knockout encounter against Canada.

Adams, along with seven other Sundowns players who represented South Africa at the World Cup, had been granted an additional two-week break before returning to pre-season preparations.

He was expected to rejoin coach Miguel Cardoso's squad next week during their training camp in Austria.

Jayden Adams, South Africa player

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