Authorities in Cape Town, South Africa, have opened a formal investigation after the body of soccer player Jayden Adams was discovered at a residence in the city’s Schotsche Kloof neighborhood. The South African Football Players Union confirmed his passing on Saturday.
Adams, a 25-year-old midfielder who represented South Africa’s national team, had just returned from competing in the World Cup when he was found dead. No cause of death has been made public.
Despite losing his grandmother, Marianna, the day before a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic, Adams showed remarkable determination and took the field as a starter in that match. He also started in his country’s 2-0 defeat to Mexico and came on as a substitute during a 1-0 victory over South Korea. He was an unused substitute when South Africa was eliminated by Canada on June 28.
His father, Juanito Adams, spoke to South African news service eNCA on Sunday, expressing the family’s grief. “The family is struggling to process it. It won’t be easy to carry on,” he said. “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.”
Juanito Adams also noted the outpouring of support from around the globe. “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.”
Before Saturday’s quarterfinal match between England and Norway, a moment of silence was observed in Adams’ honor.
South Africa’s minister of sports, arts and culture, Gayton McKenzie, released a statement paying tribute to the young player, particularly reflecting on Adams’ choice to compete so soon after his grandmother’s passing. “I shall carry forever the humble, appreciative response he gave me,” McKenzie said. “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 caliber of young man South Africa has lost.”
