Jayden Adams: South Africa World Cup player dies aged 25
South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams has died aged 25, just weeks after his country played in the World Cup.
Adams featured in all three of South Africa’s group matches at the tournament, and after reaching the knockout stages, they lost to hosts Canada in the round of 32.
“It is with deep shock and sadness that I learned of the death of Jayden Adams,” South African 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, teammates and millions of fans who watched him grow from a promising academy prospect to a full-fledged Bafana Bafana international.”
South African police said they had launched an investigation after the body of a 25-year-old man was found at a house in the central Cape Town suburb of Schotschekloof on Saturday morning.
McKenzie added: “Jayden’s cause of death has not yet been confirmed and I would like to appeal to members of the media and the public to exercise restraint and compassion and avoid 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 to the relevant parties in due course.”
Despite learning that his grandmother had passed away hours before the match, Adams drew 1-1 with the Czech Republic in Group A.
The South African Footballers’ Association said it was “devastated by the untimely death” of Adams, who played his first match for his country in 2022.
“Jayden recently represented South Africa at the 2026 World Cup, carrying on the nation’s hopes with pride, courage and distinction.
“His death is an immeasurable loss for his family, his teammates, the clubs, the football community and the country in general.
“South African football has lost a talented player, a proud servant of the game and a young life who still had so much to offer.”
Adams started his career at Stellenbosch FC before moving to Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025, where he won the league and African Champions League titles.
He was part of the South Africa squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations and was subsequently called up to Hugo Broos’ World Cup squad; The team made history by reaching the knockout stages for the first time in this tournament.
