S’Africa player Jayden Adams dies days after playing at World Cup
South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, a few weeks after representing his country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Mamelodi Sundowns played three matches for South Africa in the tournament as they crashed out against Canada in the round of 32.
South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, announced Adams’ death on Saturday in a statement.
The statement read, “It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams.
“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 who watched him grow from a promising academy prospect into a full Bafana Bafana international.”
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The minister called for investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death while urging the media to avoid speculations.
He continued: “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.
“Any official information will be communicated by the appropriate parties in due course,” the statement added.
It would be recalled that Adams started the 1-1 draw against South Africa just hours after learning of his grandmother’s death.
He made his senior international debut in 2022 and was also part of the South African squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations. He scored two goals in 13 appearances for South Africa.
He played for the Pretoria-based Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa, helping them to the African Champions League title in the 2025/26 season.
