Mamelodi Sundowns and South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, just weeks after representing his country at the World Cup.
Adams featured in all three of South Africa’s group stage matches at the tournament, helping Bafana Bafana reach the knockout stages for the first time in their history.
South Africa were eventually eliminated by co-hosts Canada in the round of 32, but the tournament was considered a historic achievement for the nation.
Police in South Africa confirmed they had opened an investigation after the body of a 25-year-old man was discovered at a house in Schotschekloof, a suburb in central Cape Town, on Saturday morning.
South Africa’s minister of sport, arts and culture Gayton McKenzie released a statement expressing his grief at the news of Adams’ passing.
“It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams,” McKenzie said, reflecting the sense of disbelief felt across the country.
McKenzie continued: “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.”
The minister also urged the public and media to act with sensitivity, saying: “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.”
He added that “any official information will be communicated by the appropriate parties in due course,” asking that Adams’ family and club be given privacy during this difficult time.
The South African Football Players Union described itself as “devastated by the untimely passing” of Adams, who had made his international debut for his country back in 2022.
The union paid tribute, saying Adams had “only recently represented South Africa at the 2026 World Cup, carrying the hopes of the nation with pride, courage and distinction.”
They added that “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,” underlining the enormous sense of loss felt across the sport.
Adams had shown extraordinary personal resilience during the tournament, starting the 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in Group A despite learning of his grandmother’s death only hours before kick-off.
He began his professional career at Stellenbosch FC before joining Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025, where he went on to win both league and African Champions League honours.
Adams was also part of the South Africa squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, establishing himself as one of the most exciting midfielders of his generation under head coach Hugo Broos.
