Jayden Adams, a midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns and the South Africa national team, has died at the age of 25. His passing occurred just weeks after he represented his country at the World Cup.
Police in South Africa have initiated an investigation following the discovery of a 25-year-old man’s body at a residence in Schotschekloof, a suburb in central Cape Town, on a Saturday morning. The cause of Adams’ death has not yet been officially confirmed.
Tributes from the football community
Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s minister of sport, arts and culture, expressed profound shock at Adams’ death. McKenzie stated that South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents and that the nation mourns alongside Adams’ family, teammates, and supporters.
McKenzie also appealed to the media and public to refrain from speculation regarding the cause of death, asking for restraint and compassion to allow Adams’ family and Mamelodi Sundowns privacy during this difficult time. Official information, he noted, would be communicated by the appropriate parties.
The South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) conveyed its devastation over the untimely passing of the midfielder. The union highlighted Adams’ recent participation in the FIFA World Cup, where he carried the hopes of the nation. They described his death as an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, the football fraternity, and the country.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino also extended his condolences, remarking on the sadness of Adams’ passing so soon after his involvement in South Africa’s historic World Cup campaign. Infantino’s thoughts were with Adams’ family, friends, and teammates, noting that the Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns star would be greatly missed.
Adams’ career and World Cup performance
Adams began his professional career at Stellenbosch FC before transferring to Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025. During his time with Sundowns, he contributed to the team winning league and African Champions League titles. He had also been part of the South Africa squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
He was subsequently called up by coach Hugo Broos for the World Cup, where the team achieved a historic milestone by reaching the knockout stages for the first time. Adams appeared in three of South Africa’s group games at the tournament. He started in two of these matches, including the 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic and the 2-0 loss to Mexico. He was a substitute in the 1-0 victory over South Korea.
Adams’ commitment to his country was evident when he started against the Czech Republic despite learning of his grandmother’s passing just hours before kick-off. McKenzie recalled reaching out to Adams to offer condolences at that time and noted the humble and appreciative response he received. Adams was an unused substitute when South Africa was eliminated by Canada in the round of 32 on June 28.
Adams had dedicated a medal from his time with Sundowns to his late Stellenbosch teammate Oshwin Andries, who died in 2023.
Adams made his debut for South Africa in 2022.
Source: bbc.com
