South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, Jayden Adams, has died at the age of 25, just weeks after representing Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
His death was confirmed on Saturday by the South African Football Players Union (SAFPU), the country’s Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture, and Mamelodi Sundowns.
The cause of death has not been confirmed.
Adams played a key role in South Africa’s historic World Cup campaign, helping the team reach the knockout stage for the first time before they were eliminated by co-hosts Canada in the round of 32.
Tributes from football and government
In a statement, SAFPU described Adams’ death as a major loss to South African football.
“The South African Football Players Union (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 FIFA 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 the country at large.
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“We extend our deepest condolences to the Adams family, Mamelodi Sundowns, Stellenbosch FC, Bafana Bafana and all those whose lives he touched.
“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.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Mamelodi Sundowns also expressed their condolences.
“It is with heartfelt sorrow that Mamelodi Sundowns can confirm the passing of highly talented Bafana Bafana midfielder, Jayden Adams.
“The Chairman and the Motsepe Family, the Board of Directors, Technical Team, Players, Management, Staff, Supporters of Mamelodi Sundowns FC & the entire Yellow Nation express their deepest condolences to the family and friends as we mourn the loss of Jayden.
“We pray that the Almighty God comforts and strengthens the Adams family, his friends and everyone that knew him.
“Sundowns respectfully ask that the family’s privacy be honoured as they grieve this profound loss.”
South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, also paid tribute.
“When I reached out to Jayden to offer my condolences and encouragement, I shall carry forever the humble, appreciative response he gave me. That he chose to wear the national jersey and give his all for his country in that moment speaks to a depth of character and professionalism well beyond his years, and it reflects the calibre of young man South Africa has lost.”
FIFA joins tributes
FIFA President Gianni Infantino also honoured the midfielder in a statement posted on Instagram.
“It is 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.
“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 and Mamelodi Sundowns star will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.”
World Cup campaign
Adams featured in all three of South Africa’s group-stage matches at the World Cup, starting the 2-0 defeat to Mexico and the 1-1 draw with Czechia before coming off the bench in a 1-0 victory over South Korea, a result that secured Bafana Bafana’s first-ever place in the knockout stage of the tournament.
He was an unused substitute in South Africa’s round-of-32 defeat to Canada, which proved to be the team’s final match of the competition.
During the tournament, Adams played against Czechia despite learning of the death of his grandmother, Marianna Adams, the previous day.
Career and achievements
Adams made his senior debut for South Africa in 2022 and was part of the squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.
He began his professional career with Stellenbosch FC before joining Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025.
In May, he helped Sundowns win the CAF Champions League and dedicated his winners’ medal to his former Stellenbosch teammate, Oshwin Andries, who died in 2023 after a stabbing.
Adams and Andries progressed through the youth ranks together at Stellenbosch. Earlier in 2026, the club also lost another young player, Jeandre Gaffoor.
South African authorities have not announced the cause of Adams’ death, while police are investigating after the body of a 25-year-old man was found at a house in Schotschekloof, a suburb of central Cape Town, on Saturday morning.
McKenzie urged the public and media to avoid speculation while investigations continue.
“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.”
