South Africa World Cup midfielder Jayden Adams
South African international midfielder Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, just weeks after representing Bafana Bafana at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie confirmed the tragic news, saying, “It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams.”
Although the cause of death was not disclosed, McKenzie described Adams as “one of South African football’s brightest young talents.”
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) also mourned the midfielder, posting on X, “Football has lost one of its own.”
Western Cape Police said they have launched an investigation after the body of a 25-year-old man was found at a house in Schotschekloof, central Cape Town, on Saturday morning.
Police spokesperson FC van Wyk said, “Circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation.”
Adams featured in all three of South Africa’s group-stage matches at the World Cup, helping the team reach the Round of 32 for the first time before missing the knockout defeat to Canada.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said he was “so incredibly sad to hear” of Adams’ death, adding, “My thoughts and condolences, as well as those of everyone at FIFA and the global football community, are with his family, friends and teammates.”
Born in Cape Town, Adams rose through the Stellenbosch FC academy before joining Mamelodi Sundowns in 2025, where he won the Premiership and the CAF Champions League after making 139 appearances for Stellenbosch.
His death came less than a month after the loss of his grandmother, with the South African Football Association recalling, “Jayden started in the match against Czechia and gave his all while carrying the burden of losing his grandmother.”
South Africa World Cup midfielder Jayden Adams dies at 25
