South African player who also played against Korea, 'shocking death'... "He was only 25," FIFA president expresses grief

*This content was translated by AI.

Jaden Adams, a South African national team midfielder who also played against Korea, has passed away. He was 25 years old.

Reuters reported on the 11th (Korea time) that "the South African Ministry of Sports announced that Adams, who started all three group stage matches for South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, has died," and added that "the cause of death has not been disclosed."

South Africa reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in its history in this tournament. Adams played a significant role in achieving this. He was a starting midfielder who started against Mexico and Czech Republic, and was substituted into the match in the 35th minute of the second half against the South Korean national team led by former coach Hong Myung-bo. At that time, South Korea defeated South Africa 1-0, finishing with one win, one draw, and one loss for four points, advancing to the Round of 32 as the second-place team in Group A.

South Africa was eliminated from the tournament after losing 0-1 to co-host Canada in the Round of 32. However, Adams and other South African players received much congratulations and support from local media and fans for achieving the historic milestone of reaching the World Cup knockout stage for the first time.

However, shortly after the tournament ended, news of Adams' death was reported. The South African football community was shocked by this sudden tragedy. According to Reuters, Adams experienced the pain of losing his grandmother just one day before the match against Czech Republic, and he was substituted at halftime in that game.

The South African Football Players Association issued an official statement mourning the loss: "South African football has lost a talented player, a proud figure dedicated to the sport, and a young life who had so much more to show."

Gaiten McKenzie, South Africa's Minister of Sports, also expressed condolences. He stated, "Our nation mourns alongside Adams' family, teammates, and millions of fans who watched him grow from a promising academy player into a Bafana Bafana (nickname for the South African national team) international."

Gianni Infantino, FIFA President, also joined the tributes. In Pan-ti-no (Chairman) stated, "My thoughts and condolences, along with those of FIFA and the entire global football community, are with his family, friends, and teammates."

Adams joined the prestigious South African club Mamelodi Sundowns in January last year. In the 2025-2026 season, he contributed to the team's victory in the African Champions League.

He made his A-match debut for the South African national team against Mozambique in 2022 while wearing the national jersey. Since then, Adams has consistently grown, appearing in 13 A-matches and scoring two goals. Both goals were scored during the 2026 CONCACAF Nations League African qualifiers.

Adams was the present and future of the South African team that secured qualification for the World Cup and achieved the historic first-ever knockout stage appearance. However, shortly after the World Cup concluded, he passed away at the young age of 25.

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*This content was translated by AI.