The country’s soccer players’ association confirmed Adams’ death on Saturday, but the cause of death was not disclosed.
Published July 13, 2026
Police in Cape Town, South Africa, have launched an investigation into the death of soccer player Jayden Adams, whose body was found shortly after returning from North America where he competed in the FIFA World Cup.
Adams, a 25-year-old midfielder for the South African national team, was found dead in his home in the Shoshet Kloof area of Cape Town. The South African Football Players’ Union confirmed his death on Saturday.
The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Adams started two of South Africa’s three World Cup matches, despite the death of his grandmother Marianna the day before the 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic. He started that match and also South Africa’s 2-0 loss to Mexico. He came on as a substitute in the 1-0 win against South Korea.
He did not feature as a substitute in South Africa’s loss to Canada on June 28.
“The family is struggling to deal with this. It’s not easy to continue working,” the player’s father, Juanito Adams, said on Sunday, according to South African news agency eNCA.
“People say it’s going to be easy, but it’s not. You just have to learn to accept it and live with it. So let’s see what’s in store for us.”
“The whole world is reacting to Jaden’s death. Like I said, it’s very hard. It shows how much the world loved his football and Jaden.”
A moment of silence was observed for Adams before Saturday’s quarter-final match between England and Norway.
“I will forever carry with me the humility and gratitude he gave me,” South African Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie said in a statement, referring to Adams, who decided to play soon after his grandmother’s death.
“That he chose to put on the national jersey and give his all for his country in that moment speaks to the depth of his character and professionalism far beyond his years, and reflects the lost quality of young South Africans.”
