Tragic reports have stated that South African footballer Jayden Adams has passed away. The midfielder had only recently been competing for his nation at the 2026 World Cup.

The Mamelodi Sundowns star, only 25, had been key for Bafana Bafana this summer, starting the first two matches of the tournament, while also appearing in the third group game before his team were knocked out.

His club confirmed the news, writing: “It is with heartfelt sorrow that Mamelodi Sundowns can confirm the passing of highly talented Bafana Bafana midfielder, Jayden Adams.” While the South African Football Players Union reacted to the tragic reports in a statement, which read: “Jayden had only recently represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, carrying the hopes of the nation with pride, courage, and distinction. “His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, the football fraternity and country at large.”

Adams’ Girlfriend Shared Proud Message Ahead of World Cup

Mandel Ngan via Reuters

Adams had reposted an image with his girlfriend, Aqueelah Adendorf, online less than one day before his passing. Not only that, but just before the tournament began, she shared a proud message on Instagram, which is heartbreaking to read now.

His partner – with whom he reportedly shares a 5-year-old daughter – had written:

“Watching you achieve something this big has filled my heart with so much pride. From the hard work, sacrifices, early mornings, disappointments, and moments nobody saw — you kept going, stayed disciplined, and trusted God through it all. And now look at you… representing your country on the national team.

“This is only the beginning for you, my love. May God continue to guide your steps, protect you, and open even bigger doors for your future. Keep shining, keep believing, and keep making us proud. Your hard work is finally paying off and I know there’s still so much more greatness waiting for you.

“‘Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.’ — Proverbs 16:3.”

Statement Issued on Behalf of Adams’ Family

Mexico’s Brian Gutierrez in action with South Africa’s Jayden Adams via REUTERS/Raquel Cunha

As quoted by Goal, Adams’ mentor, Brendine Johnson, has now spoken out on behalf of the family to confirm the heartbreaking news. She said: “At this moment, things are still raw, you know, things are still raw.

“The family wouldn’t want to be contacted right now, they wouldn’t be able to answer anyone. “This passing has ripped everybody apart, returning from the World Cup just now, and then got such news, you know.

“I had a close conversation with him on Thursday, the guy was really positive on returning back, and being able to return after the World Cup and go, you know, being a CAF champion, knowing what lies ahead, he was prepared.

“He doesn’t waste time away, being at home with his family. So at this moment, I don’t even have words to say, but we ask that the family’s privacy be respected. “Yes, I can tell you that he passed on. Nobody expected this.”

Everton are said to be considering a deal for one of Newcastle United’s most reliable players as they look to build on last season’s momentum. The Toffees had a very different feel about them last season, and while they did miss out on Europe when all was said and done, they showed signs of being capable to achieve the feat in the near future.

But David Moyes, armed with decades of experience, will know that a strong transfer window will be required to ensure Everton are back in the mix next season. The Toffees want Jack Grealish back after his impressive loan spell, but their business will not stop there, and it seems Moyes is in the market for experience.

Everton could move for Jacob Murphy

According to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, Everton could move for Newcastle United’s veteran winger Jacob Murphy this summer. He posted on X: “Excl: Everton are keen on signing Newcastle winger Jacob Murphy. The 31-year-old has just 12 months remaining on his #NUFC contract and could leave this summer. Murphy signed for Newcastle NINE years ago and has been a brilliant player for the club.

“He is one of a number of players Everton are considering, as they look to strengthen the forward line, including a return for Jack Grealish. No #EFC offer for Murphy yet, but interest is there. Newcastle have signed winger Bazou Toure from Hoffenheim, but missed out on Victor Munoz to Liverpool.”

Murphy, who has more than 200 Premier League appearances under his belt, is a much-loved figure at Newcastle, and even with his veteran status, he managed to feature in 33 of Newcastle’s 38 games last season.

But he will know the Magpies are likely to want to upgrade those wide positions after missing out on Europe, and a move could be his best option to maintain regular minutes.

Murphy the ‘ultimate professional’

Speaking back in late 2023, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe described what makes Murphy such a valuable player. He said: “He’s someone who is the ultimate professional. He’s reliable, plays multiple positions and has never let me down. Now, you’re going to have some good days and you’re going to have some bad days. I always say that the key response is how you handle the bad days.

“Before I came here, Jacob had some difficult moments, but you have to keep coming back. You have to be really resilient, you have to keep turning up, and I believe that if you do the right things off the pitch, then eventually you’ll show the right things on the pitch.

“For me, he’s just been that model of consistency in his approach and attitude.

“It’s great to see someone who puts that work in rewarded with an opportunity, and then it’s all about taking that opportunity. He’s done that, and it’s great to see.”

Liverpool are preparing a move to sign Mexico World Cup star Gilberto Mora, according to Football Insider.

Mora shone for El Tricolor during this summer’s prestigious international tournament, helping lead the host nation to the last 16 of the competition. This follows a number of impressive displays for his club, Tijuana, sparking interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Premier League giants Liverpool are said to have opened talks to sign the 17-year-old, and the Reds are now understood to be preparing a formal offer for the starlet.

Andoni Iraola is keen to bolster the attacking options in his squad, and there is a belief at Anfield that Mora could help do so, given his pedigree as one of the most highly-rated youngsters on the planet.

Liverpool preparing formal move for Gilberto Mora

REUTERS/Raquel Cunha via Action Images

Football Insider journalist Peter O’Rourke reports that Liverpool will make a formal offer for Mora if they receive any indication that the player is ready to move on this summer.

The Merseysiders are eager to get ahead of their rivals and sign the creative midfielder before other top clubs express serious interest. While the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are believed to admire the Mexican’s talent, there is little indication as of yet that any of these European heavyweights are prepared to make a move to sign him.

O’Rourke describes the race for Mora as ‘open’, although Liverpool are seemingly in the front seat as it stands, as they carry out their due diligence on the player.

After struggling for creativity last season, despite splashing £100million on playmaker Florian Wirtz, addressing this issue is a primary concern for Iraola.

The Anfield hierarchy believe Mora can alleviate some of these creative problems, even if his impact comes in the long-term rather than the immediate short-term.

Liverpool need more experienced attacking options than Mora

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

While it’s likely that Mora would be one of a number of attacking reinforcements to arrive at Liverpool this summer, it’s not impossible that they place too much emphasis on this particular signing.

Mora is an exciting young talent, seen as one of the best young players in world football, but he’s arguably not ready to take the burden left by Mohamed Salah and excel in the physically intense Premier League right away. While he may be ready for a squad role, Liverpool need more senior players to take the mantle their famous Egyptian left behind.

Bradley Barcola is being linked with a switch to Merseyside, and this is exactly the sort of high-profile acquisition Iraola’s ensemble needs to reignite what became a flailing attack at the end of last season.