By Oseremen IHIMEKPEN
South African international midfielder Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture announced on Saturday.
The announcement comes just weeks after Adams played a key role in Bafana Bafana’s historic run to the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
POLICE INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY
Cape Town Central police responded to a residence in Schotsche Kloof at 11:06 a.m. on Saturday and found a 25-year-old man inside. The deceased was later identified as Adams.
Western Cape South African Police Service spokesperson F.C. van Wyk confirmed that “circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation”.
No official cause of death has been released. Minister Gayton McKenzie also appealed for restraint, stating: “The cause of Jayden’s passing has not yet been confirmed, and I wish to appeal to members of the media and the public to exercise restraint and compassion, and to refrain from speculation.”
TRIBUTES POUR IN
“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.
“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 grow from a promising academy prospect into a full Bafana Bafana international.”
The South African Football Players Union, SAFPU, described the death as “an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, the football fraternity and the country at large.”
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Adams featured in all three of South Africa’s group matches at the 2026 World Cup. He started against Mexico and the Czech Republic, and came off the bench in the 1-0 victory over South Korea that sent Bafana Bafana into the knockout rounds for the first time. Canada later eliminated South Africa.
During the tournament, Adams played against the Czech Republic a day after the death of his grandmother, Marianna, and was substituted at halftime.
At club level, Adams rose through the Stellenbosch FC academy and made 109 appearances, scoring 7 goals between 2020 and 2025. He joined Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025 and made 40 appearances, helping the club win the 2025/26 CAF Champions League.
Internationally, he made his debut against Mozambique in 2022 and earned 13 caps, scoring two goals in 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino also paid tribute: “It’s so incredibly sad to hear that South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams has passed away just weeks after featuring in his nation’s historic FIFA World Cup campaign. My thoughts and condolences… are with his family, friends and teammates.”
Stellenbosch FC and Mamelodi Sundowns have expressed condolences to the Adams family. Police say investigations are continuing.
