South Africa World Cup star Jayden Adams dies at 25

Midfielder Jayden Adams of the Mamelodi Sundowns football club, who played for South Africa during the current 2026 FIFA World Cup, has passed away at 25 years old.

Adams’ death was discovered early on Saturday at a residential property in the Schotschekloof suburb of central Cape Town. The cause of his death has not yet been revealed by the authorities and his family.

This has happened amidst another heartbreaking death in his family, as he is still mourning the death of his 72-year-old grandmother Marianna Adams, which took place on June 17, one day before their important match against the Czech Republic in the group stage.

In spite of being devastated, Adams decided to stay with his team, starting in the match and fighting against the sorrow.

The tragic news was reported by Brendine Johnson, who is Jayden’s mentor and family spokesperson.

“This passing has ripped everybody apart, returning from the World Cup just now, and then getting such news. Nobody expected this,” Johnson said.

“I had a close conversation with him on Thursday, the guy was really positive on returning back, and being able to return after the World Cup… knowing what lies ahead, he was prepared.”

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) also announced the player’s death in a post on X.

Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s minister of sport, arts, and culture, expressed deep shock, saying the nation had lost one of its brightest football prospects.

“It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams, midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, at the age of 25,” McKenzie said.

The South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) also paid tribute, commending Adams’ dedication to the national team under incredibly trying personal circumstances

“Jayden had only recently represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, carrying the hopes of the nation with pride, courage, and distinction,” SAFPU wrote.

“His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, the football fraternity and country at large.”

Adams is a member of the historic Bafana Bafana team that went further than the group stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the very first time.

He appeared in all three matches of the group, making his debut start against Mexico and Czechia and coming on as a substitute in the 1-0 win against South Korea.

As far as his club career goes, 2025/26 was an excellent year for him as he won the African Champions League with his team Mamelodi Sundowns. Previously, he had been playing for Stellenbosch FC.