South Africa World Cup Midfielder Jayden Adams Dies Aged 25, Sports Minister Confirms
South African football is mourning the death of World Cup midfielder Jayden Adams, who died at 25, just weeks after appearing for Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie confirmed Adams’ death in a statement on Saturday, calling it a devastating loss for the country’s football community.
Sports Minister pays tribute
“It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams,” McKenzie said. “South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents.”
Adams made his World Cup debut in North America this year, featuring in all three of South Africa’s group-stage matches. He didn’t play in Bafana Bafana’s 1-0 loss to Canada in the Round of 32.
Police investigating
McKenzie’s statement didn’t give a cause of death. Police confirmed an investigation has been opened 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.
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“Circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation,” Western Cape police spokesperson FC van Wyk told AFP.
A rising star
Adams was born in Cape Town and began his professional career at Stellenbosch FC, where he became one of the country’s most promising midfielders. He joined CAF Champions League winners Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025.
His death comes less than a month after his grandmother died, on the eve of South Africa’s Group A match against Czechia at Atlanta Stadium during the World Cup.
“Jayden started in the match against Czechia and gave his all while carrying the burden of losing his grandmother,” the South African Football Association said at the time.
Football community mourns
The South African Football Players’ Union also paid tribute in a statement posted on social media. “The South African Football Players’ Union (SAFPU) is devastated by the untimely passing of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder, Jayden Adams.” The union pointed to Adams’ performance at the World Cup, saying he represented South Africa with “pride, courage and distinction.”
“His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, the football fraternity and the 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. 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.”