Jayden Adams: South Africa World Cup midfielder dies aged 25 as minister of sport mourns passing of one of Bafana Bafana's 'brightest young talents'
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By Ben Grounds
Published 11/07/2026 at 15:56 GMT+1
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South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, the country's minister of sport, arts and culture Gayton McKenzie said on Saturday, just over a fortnight after helping his country reach the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25
Image credit: Getty Images
Adams featured in all three of South Africa's group-stage matches as Hugo Broos' side made history by reaching the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time.
He started the tournament opener, a 2-0 defeat to Mexico, and the 1-1 draw with Czechia before appearing as a second-half substitute in the 1-0 victory over South Korea. He did not feature in the round-of-32 defeat to co-hosts Canada.
His appearance against Czechia came despite learning only hours before kick-off that his grandmother had passed away.
McKenzie led the tributes to Adams in a statement.
"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 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, while his family and Mamelodi Sundowns are given the space and privacy they need at this incredibly difficult time.
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Jones in action during the World Cup opener against Mexico
Image credit: Getty Images
"Any official information will be communicated by the appropriate parties in due course."
Western Cape police confirmed they had opened an investigation after the body of a 25-year-old man was discovered at a house in Schotschekloof, a suburb in central Cape Town, on Saturday morning.
"Circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation," police spokesperson FC van Wyk told the Associated Press.
Adams emerged from Stellenbosch's academy, becoming the club's first youth graduate to sign a professional contract. He made 139 appearances, helping Stellenbosch lift the 2023 Carling Knockout before earning a move to Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025.
At Sundowns, he won league and CAF Champions League titles, having already established himself on the international stage after making his South Africa debut in 2022.
He was also part of the squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations before playing a key role in the country's historic World Cup campaign.
The South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) also paid tribute.
"The SAFPU is devastated by the untimely passing of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams," it said.
"Jayden had only recently represented South Africa at the 2026 World Cup, carrying the hopes of the nation with pride, courage and distinction. His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, the football fraternity and country at large.
"South African football has lost a gifted player, a proud servant of the game and a young life that still had so much to offer."
The union extended its condolences to the Adams family, Mamelodi Sundowns, Stellenbosch, Bafana Bafana and all those whose lives he touched.
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