Jayden Adams dies at 25 weeks after starring for South Africa at the World Cup

South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, just weeks after representing Bafana Bafana at the World Cup. His passing was confirmed on Saturday by Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s minister of sport, arts and culture. No cause of death has been given.

“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 posted on X. “South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents, and our nation mourns alongside his family, his team-mates and the millions of supporters.”

Adams had featured in South Africa’s first two group-stage matches of the tournament, against Mexico and Czechia. He started the Czechia fixture — a game he played only hours after learning of his grandmother’s death — before being substituted at halftime. South Africa went on to reach the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in the country’s history.

McKenzie appealed for sensitivity in the wake of the news. “The cause of Jayden’s passing has not yet been confirmed,” he said. “I wish to appeal to members of the media and the public to exercise restraint and compassion, and to refrain from speculation.”

Adams had posted a picture of himself and his girlfriend on Instagram less than 24 hours before news of his death emerged.

The 25-year-old spent several seasons at Stellenbosch before joining Mamelodi Sundowns last year. He was part of the Sundowns squad that won the CAF Champions League in 2025, capping a remarkable rise for one of South African football’s most promising young midfielders.