Jayden Adams, the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder who represented South Africa in all three group games at the 2026 World Cup, has died at the age of 25.
World Cup appearances and career
Adams started the tournament opener, a 2-0 loss to Mexico, and the 1-1 draw with Czechia, being substituted in both matches. He came off the bench in the 1-0 win against South Korea but did not play in the 1-0 last-32 defeat by Canada.
The minister of sport, Gayton McKenzie, released a statement: “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.”
Investigation and tributes
The minister did not disclose a cause of death. Police said they opened an investigation after the body of a 25-year-old man was found at a house in Schotsche Kloof, a suburb in central Cape Town, on Saturday morning. “Circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation,” Western Cape police spokesperson FC van Wyk told AFP.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino said: “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 World Cup campaign. My thoughts and condolences, as well as those of everyone at Fifa and the global football community, are with his family, friends and teammates. The Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns star will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.”
Youth career and move to Sundowns
Adams came through Stellenbosch’s youth system, becoming their first academy product to sign a professional contract. He made 139 appearances for the club, helping them lift the 2023 Carling Knockout, before completing his move to Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025.
The South African Football Players Union wrote: “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.”
