South Africa World Cup midfielder Jayden Adams dies at the age of 25

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams, who played at the World Cup, has died. He was 25.

His death was confirmed by Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s minister of sport, arts and culture, in a statement on Saturday.

“It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams, midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, at the age of 25," McKenzie posted on X.

"South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents, and our nation mourns alongside his family, his team-mates and the millions of supporters.”

Adams helped South Africa reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time.

Further details of his death were not given.

“The cause of Jayden’s passing has not yet been confirmed," McKenzie said. “I wish to appeal to members of the media and the public to exercise restraint and compassion, and to refrain from speculation.”

A moment of silence in honor of Adams was held ahead of the World Cup quarterfinal between Norway and England in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Saturday.

Adams started in South Africa's first Group A games against Mexico and Czech Republic. McKenzie said Adams played the second game only hours after learning that his grandmother had died. He came on as a second-half substitute in the third game against South Korea.

Adams played several seasons for Stellenbosch before joining Mamelodi Sundowns last year. He helped the club win the CAF (African) Champions League this year.

“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.”

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and the South African Federation of Trade Unions also expressed their condolences.

See more of AP’s World Cup coverage here

Players, officials and fans stand for a moment of silence for South Africa's Jayden Adams during the World Cup quarterfinal soccer match between Norway and England in Miami Gardens, Fla., Saturday, July 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier)

FILE - Mamelodi Sundowns' Jayden Adams (8) controls the ball during a Club World Cup group F soccer match against Ulsan HD, June 18, 2025 in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack, File)

FILE - South Africa's Jayden Adams during the World Cup Group A soccer match between Czechia and South Africa in Atlanta, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Stew Milne, File)

Isack Hadjar will be back driving for Red Bull at this week's Azerbaijan Grand Prix after a “successful recovery” from the wrist injury which kept him out of three Formula 1 races, the team said Tuesday.

Hadjar injured his wrist during F1's mid-season break, reportedly during a boxing workout, and was sidelined with a splint on his arm as he recovered.

Liam Lawson took over Hadjar's car for the Dutch, Italian and Spanish Grand Prix races, while Yuki Tsunoda returned to F1 in Lawson's usual seat at Racing Bulls.

“Oracle Red Bull Racing is delighted to welcome Isack back this weekend. Having made a successful recovery from his wrist injury, Isack will return to action at the Baku City Circuit on Thursday,” Red Bull said.

“The team would sincerely like to thank Liam for this professionalism, dedication and hard work over the past three races. Stepping in under challenging circumstances, he delivered some impressive performances and made a valuable contribution to the team. We wish him all the very best as he returns to Visa Cash App Racing Bulls.”

This week's race in Azerbaijan is, unusually, on a Saturday because of a public holiday. That means practice on Thursday and qualifying Friday.

Lawson adapted fast on his return to Red Bull as Max Verstappen's teammate, with a best finish of sixth in Madrid this month. It was a strong statement from the New Zealander after he was dropped by Red Bull two races into the 2025 season.

Verstappen said Lawson and Tsunoda's ability to be “immediately competitive” in unfamiliar cars was a sign that this season's F1 cars — which Verstappen has repeatedly criticized — are “numb to your driver inputs” and offer limited ways for the best drivers to distinguish themselves.

During his absence, Hadjar was reinstated to third place at the Monaco Grand Prix after appeals about penalties issued to Alpine's Pierre Gasly. That was a first podium finish at Red Bull for Hadjar and matched his career-best result from last year's Dutch Grand Prix, when he was at Racing Bulls.

See AP’s full auto racing coverage here

FILE - Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar prepares for the first practice ahead of the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, UAE, on Nov. 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Kamran Jebreili, File)