South Africa's Jayden Adams, 25, dies after World Cup games

South African footballer Jayden Adams, 25, died after a brief illness, the players’ union confirmed on Saturday. Adams had just returned from the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where she appeared in three matches for the national team. She was reported to have been in good health prior to the tournament, and her death came as a shock to teammates, coaches and fans across the country.

The union released a statement expressing deep sorrow and thanking the national federation for its support. Officials said the cause of death is under investigation and that the federation will provide assistance to Adams’s family. The loss of a young athlete at the peak of her career has prompted calls for greater health monitoring and support for players in South Africa’s growing women’s football program.