Jayden Adams, who represented South Africa in all three of its group stage matches during the World Cup, has tragically passed away at the age of 25.
The midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns played in the tournament’s opening match, which ended in a 2-0 loss to Mexico, and also featured in a 1-1 draw against Czechia, being substituted in both encounters. He came off the bench in the subsequent 1-0 victory over South Korea but did not participate in the 1-0 defeat against Canada in the last 32.
In a statement, sport minister Gayton McKenzie expressed his shock at Adams’s passing, stating, “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. “South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents, and our nation mourns alongside his family, his teammates and the millions of supporters who watched him grow from a promising academy prospect into a full Bafana Bafana international.”
The cause of death has not been disclosed. Authorities have initiated an investigation following the discovery of a 25-year-old man’s body at a residence in Schotsche Kloof, a central Cape Town suburb, on Saturday morning. “Circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation,” stated FC van Wyk, a spokesperson for the Western Cape police.
Adams began his career in the youth academy of Stellenbosch, becoming the first player from the academy to secure a professional contract. Over his tenure, he made 139 appearances for the club, contributing to their victory in the 2023 Carling Knockout before joining Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025.
The South African Football Players Union released a statement mourning Adams’s loss, saying, “The SAFPU is devastated by the untimely passing of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams. “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, teammates, clubs, the football fraternity and country at large. We extend our deepest condolences to the Adams family, Mamelodi Sundowns, Stellenbosch FC, Bafana Bafana and all those whose lives he touched.”
