South Africa star Jayden Adams played in historic World Cup with heavy heart before his tragic death

The stunning death of South African midfielder Jayden Adams isn’t the first loss his family has suffered since the World Cup began.

A little more than three weeks before Adams’ passing from an unknown cause, the 25-year-old was starting for South Africa in Atlanta against the Czech Republic just one day after his grandmother, Marianna Adams, died in a Stellenbosch hospital at the age of 72.

South Africa then played its final match of the tournament — a 1-0 loss to Canada in the Round of 32 — on June 28, just one day after she was laid to rest. 

Jayden Adams played in the World Cup with a heavy heart. AP Photo/Stew Milne

“When I reached out to Jayden to offer my condolences and encouragement, I shall carry forever the humble, appreciative response he gave me,” Minister of Sports, Arts & Culture of South Africa Gayton McKenzie said in a statement, according to BBC. “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 calibre of young man South Africa has lost.”

Marianna was “survived by her husband, her children and several grandchildren,” the South African Football Association said.

Adams started two of South Africa’s three group games, then entered as a substitute in a 1-0 win over South Korea, which sent his country to the knockout stage for the first time in history.

He did not appear in the tournament-ending loss to Canada.

“Jayden had only recently represented South Africa at the FIFA World Cup, carrying the hopes of the nation with pride, courage and distinction,” the association said. “His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, the football fraternity and the country at large. South African football has lost a gifted player, a proud servant of the game and a young life that still had so much to offer.”

Jayden Adams (23) and South Africa celebrate a win over South Korea. AP Photo/Sofia Yaker

Adams also lost two teammates to tragedy in recent years.

In May, he dedicated his CAF Champions League medal to former Stellenbosch FC teammate Oshwin Andries, who was killed at the age of 19 after being stabbed at a party.

Earlier this year, his former team suffered another unfathomable loss, when 20-year-old Jeandre Gaffoor drowned.