South Africa international and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, only weeks after representing his country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The cause of his death has not yet been confirmed.
South Africa's Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, announced the footballer's passing in a statement on Saturday, describing it as a significant loss to the nation's football community.
"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, and our nation mourns alongside his family, his teammates, and the millions of supporters who watched him develop from a promising academy player into a full Bafana Bafana international."
According to Dip Connect Online News, South African police have opened an investigation after the body of a 25-year-old man was discovered at a residence in Schotschekloof, a suburb in central Cape Town, on Saturday morning.
McKenzie appealed to the public and media to avoid speculation while investigations continue, urging that Adams' family and Mamelodi Sundowns be allowed privacy during the difficult period.
He stated that official information regarding the circumstances surrounding Adams' death would be released by the appropriate authorities when available.
Adams played in all three of South Africa's group-stage matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, helping Bafana Bafana qualify for the knockout stage for the first time in the country's history before the team was eliminated by co-hosts Canada in the Round of 32.
During the tournament, Adams drew widespread admiration after featuring in South Africa's 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic just hours after receiving news of his grandmother's death.
The South African Football Players Union described his passing as an immeasurable loss to the country's football family.
Adams made his senior debut for South Africa in 2022 and was a member of the squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.
He began his professional career with Stellenbosch FC before completing a move to Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025, where he helped the club win the South African Premiership title and the CAF Champions League.
ADEOLA KUNLE
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