South African international midfielder Jayden Adams, who represented Bafana Bafana at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, has died at the age of 25, prompting an outpouring of grief across the country’s football community.
South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, confirmed Adams’ death on Saturday, describing the news as a devastating loss for the nation. The minister did not disclose the cause of death.
“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,” McKenzie said in a statement.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) also paid tribute, writing on social media: “Football has lost one of its own.”
Western Cape police said an investigation is underway after the body of a 25-year-old man was discovered at a residence in Schotschekloof, a suburb of central Cape Town, on Saturday morning.
Authorities have not officially confirmed the cause of death.
Adams featured in all three of South Africa’s group-stage matches at the World Cup, helping Bafana Bafana reach the Round of 32 for the first time in the tournament’s history, although he did not play in the knockout defeat to Canada.
He was also a member of the South African squad that secured third place at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.
Born in Cape Town, Adams rose through the youth ranks of Stellenbosch FC, becoming the club’s first academy graduate to sign a professional contract in 2020.
He made 139 appearances for the club, helping them lift the Carling Knockout title in 2023 before joining Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025.
During his time with Sundowns, he won the South African Premiership and the CAF Champions League, cementing his reputation as one of the country’s most promising midfielders.
His death comes less than a month after the loss of his grandmother, a personal tragedy he endured while representing South Africa at the World Cup.
The South African Football Association had previously praised his determination after he continued to play despite the family bereavement.
Tributes have continued to pour in from teammates, clubs, supporters, and football officials, who remembered Adams not only for his talent on the pitch but also for his professionalism and dedication to the national team.