Tributes poured in from the World Cup community for Jayden Adams, a midfielder who furthered South Africa’s historic tournament run, following the announcement of his shocking death at the age of 25 on July 11.

Members of the England and Norway teams participated in a moment of silence prior to their elimination match later in the day in Miami.

MORE: South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams dies at 25, weeks after starting in 2026 World Cup

Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s minister of sport, arts and culture, confirmed Adams’ death on social media. The cause of death has not officially been released.

South Africa’s victory over South Korea in June elevated them to the knockout phase of the World Cup for the first time in the country’s history. Adams, one of five midfielders on the country’s World Cup roster, played in the second half of that game.

MORE: FIFA sky cam wire gets controversial assist on England’s goal vs. Norway

South Africa was eliminated by Canada in the Round of 32.

“It’s so incredibly sad to hear that South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams has passed away just weeks after featuring in his nation’s historic FIFA World Cup campaign,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said. “My thoughts and condolences, as well as those of everyone at FIFA and the global football community, are with his family, friends and teammates. The Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns star will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.”

MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo receives heartfelt message from fiancée after World Cup exit

“Death has cruelly stolen one of our own. It has robbed our nation of a remarkable footballer,” the South African Football Players Union posted on X. “We will forever remember his humility, his extraordinary talent and the pride with which he represented South Africa. Rest in eternal peace, Jayden. You will never be forgotten.”

FIFPRO Africa united in grief with @SAFPU_Official and South Africa

We are profoundly devastated by the cruel passing of Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, Jayden Adams.

As the African football family, we stand in complete solidarity with his loved ones, teammates,… pic.twitter.com/PFi2jzmUpY

— FIFPRO AFRICA (@FIFProAfrica) July 11, 2026

According to McKenzie, Adams recently learned of the death of his grandmother, Marianna, and competed in the tournament despite being profoundly affected by her passing.

🎙️ 𝗚𝗮𝘆𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗰𝗞𝗲𝗻𝘇𝗶𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝗝𝗮𝘆𝗱𝗲𝗻 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗺𝘀 🕊️

“I will always remember watching Bafana’s match against Czechia in Atlanta. I recall noting how unusually quiet Jayden seemed on the bench in the second half, after he had been substituted – it was only afterwards… pic.twitter.com/Yc72ayPeg8

— iDiski Times (@iDiskiTimes) July 11, 2026

“A touching moment before kickoff. Sending love to Jayden Adams’ family and loved ones,” comedian and South African Trevor Noah wrote on X.