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 played in all three of South Africa’s group-stage matches as Bafana Bafana reached the knockout rounds for the first time in the country’s history before losing to co-hosts Canada in the round of 32.
South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie said the country had lost one of its brightest football talents.
“It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams,” McKenzie said in a statement.
“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.”
South African police said they had opened an investigation after the body of a 25-year-old man was discovered at a house in Schotschekloof, central Cape Town, on Saturday morning.
The cause of Adams’ death has not yet been confirmed.
McKenzie urged the public and media not to speculate while Adams’ family and club were given time to grieve.
“Any official information will be communicated by the appropriate parties in due course,” he said.
Adams had started South Africa’s 1-1 World Cup draw against the Czech Republic despite learning only hours before kick-off that his grandmother had died.
The South African Football Players Union said it was devastated by Adams’ death and described him as a gifted player who represented his country 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,” the union said.
“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.
He went on to win domestic league and African Champions League titles with the Pretoria-based club.
The midfielder made his international debut in 2022 and was part of the South Africa squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino also paid tribute to Adams, describing his death as incredibly sad.
“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,” Infantino said.
“The Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns star will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.”