South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, just weeks after representing his country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Adams featured in all three of Bafana Bafana’s group-stage matches as South Africa reached the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time in their history before bowing out to co-hosts Canada in the Round of 32.
South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, confirmed the midfielder’s death in a statement, describing it as a devastating loss to the nation.
“It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams,” McKenzie said.
“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 who watched him grow from a promising academy prospect into a full Bafana Bafana international.”
Police said an investigation had been launched after the body of a 25-year-old man was discovered at a residence in Schotschekloof, a suburb of central Cape Town, on Saturday morning.
McKenzie urged the public and the media to avoid speculation over the circumstances surrounding Adams’ death.
“The cause of Jayden’s passing has not yet been confirmed, and I wish to appeal to members of the media and the public to exercise restraint and compassion, and to refrain from speculation, while his family and Mamelodi Sundowns are given the space and privacy they need at this incredibly difficult time.
“Any official information will be communicated by the appropriate parties in due course.”
Adams had started South Africa’s opening Group A match against the Czech Republic, a 1-1 draw, despite learning only hours before kick-off that his grandmother had died.
The South African Football Players Union described his death as an immeasurable loss to the football community.
The union said it was “devastated by the untimely passing” of the midfielder, who made his senior international debut in 2022.
“Jayden had only recently represented South Africa at the 2026 World Cup, carrying the hopes of the nation with pride, courage and distinction.
“His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, team-mates, 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.”
Adams began his professional career with Stellenbosch FC before joining Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025. During his time at the club, he won the South African Premiership title and the CAF Champions League.
He was also a member of the South African squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations before helping Bafana Bafana achieve a historic appearance in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino also paid tribute to the midfielder, expressing condolences to his family and the football community.
“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,” 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 team-mates. The Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns star will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.”
