South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams has died aged 25, just weeks after playing for his country at the World Cup.
Adams appeared in all three of South Africa’s group games at the tournament, where they reached the knockout stages before losing to hosts Canada in the round of 16.
“It is with deep shock and a heavy heart that I learned of the passing of Jayden Adams,” South African Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie said in a statement.
“South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents and our nation mourns with his family, his teammates and the millions of fans who watched him develop from a promising academy player to a fully-fledged Bafana Bafana international.”
South African police said they had launched an investigation after the body of a 25-year-old man was found in a house in Schottshekloof, a suburb of central Cape Town, on Saturday morning.
McKenzie added: “The cause of Jayden’s passing has not yet been confirmed and I would like to urge members of the media and the public to exercise restraint and compassion and refrain from speculation while his family and Mamelodi Sundowns are given the space and privacy they need during this incredibly difficult time.
“Any official information will be communicated by the relevant parties in due course.”
Adams started with a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in Group A despite learning his grandmother had passed away just hours before kick-off.
The South African Footballers’ Union said it was “devastated by the untimely death” of Adams, who made his debut for his country in 2022.
“Jayden most recently represented South Africa at the 2026 World Cup, living out the nation’s aspirations with pride, courage and distinction.
“His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, the football community and the country as a whole.
“South African football has lost a gifted player, a proud servant of the game and a young life that still had much to offer.”
Adams began his career at Stellenbosch before moving to Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025, where he won the league and African Champions League titles.
He was part of the South African squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations and was then called up to Hugo Broos’ squad for the World Cup, where the team made history by reaching the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time.