South African World Cup midfielder Jayden Adams dies aged 25
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\South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, just weeks after featuring for his country at the World Cup.
\Adams played in all three of South Africa’s group games at the tournament, where the team reached the knockout stages before falling to co‑host Canada in the round of 32.
\“It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams,” South Africa’s minister of sport, arts and culture Gayton McKenzie said in a statement.
\“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,” Ms. McKenzie added.
\Police in South Africa said they had opened an investigation after the body of a 25‑year‑old man was found at a house in Schotschekloof, a suburb in central Cape Town, on Saturday morning. The cause of Jayden’s passing has not yet been confirmed, and media and the public are encouraged to exercise restraint and compassion while his family and the club are given the space they need.
\“Any official information will be communicated by the appropriate parties in due course,” the statement added.
\Adams started in a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in Group A, despite learning that his grandmother had passed away only hours before kick‑off.
\The South African Football Players Union said it was “devastated by the untimely passing” of Adams, who made his debut for his country in 2022.
\“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 the country at large,” the union wrote.
\“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 career at Stellenbosch FC before moving to Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025, where he won a league title and the African Champions League. He was part of the South Africa squad that reached the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations semi‑finals and was subsequently called up by coach Hugo Broos for the World Cup, where the team made history by reaching the knockout stages for the first time.
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