South African football is in mourning after Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams died at the age of 25, just weeks after helping his country reach the FIFA World Cup knockout stage for the first time in its history.
His death was confirmed on Saturday by South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, and by the South African Football Players’ Union (SAFPU). No cause of death has been confirmed, and McKenzie has publicly appealed to media and the public “to exercise restraint and compassion, and to refrain from speculation” while the circumstances remain unclear.
Adams started two of South Africa’s three group-stage matches at this summer’s World Cup, playing in the draw with the Czech Republic and the defeat to Mexico, and came off the bench in the win over South Korea that sealed the country’s first-ever progression to the knockout rounds. He was an unused substitute when South Africa were eliminated by co-hosts Canada in the round of 32. Notably, he played in the Czech Republic match a day after the death of his grandmother, Marianna, having been replaced at halftime.
A product of Stellenbosch FC’s youth academy — the club’s first academy graduate to sign a professional contract — Adams made 139 appearances for the Cape Town-based side before moving to Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025. In his first season at Sundowns he won the South African Premiership and helped the club lift the CAF Champions League title, a medal he dedicated to former Stellenbosch teammate Oshwin Andries, who died in 2023.
Tributes have poured in from across world football. FIFA president Gianni Infantino called Adams “one of its brightest young talents” who would be “sorely missed,” while Mamelodi Sundowns said the club was “devastated by the tragic passing.” South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also extended condolences, and SAFPU described his death as “an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, the football fraternity and the country at large.”
Sources: Al Jazeera — South Africa’s Jayden Adams, 25, dies after playing in FIFA World Cup · ESPN — South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams dies at age 25 · Sky Sports — Jayden Adams: South Africa 2026 World Cup midfielder dies aged 25
