South Africa star Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25 with the Bafana Bafana community mourning the shock loss just weeks after he featured at World Cup 2026.
The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder played three times for his country and was part of Hugo Broos’ side that advanced to the last 32, creating history in the nation’s first knockout World Cup match in their history before being eliminated by co-hosts Canada.
Adams played all three group games, starting the opener against Mexico and then featuring as a substitute against Czech Republic and South Korea, and Fifa arranged a minute’s silence at the Norway v England quarter-final in Miami in his memory.
Details surrounding Adams’ passing remain unclear, but the South African Football Players Union paid tribute to the player in a statement: “The SAFPU is devastated by the untimely passing of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder, Jayden Adams.
“Jayden had only recently represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA 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.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the Adams family, Mamelodi Sundowns, Stellenbosch FC, Bafana Bafana and all those whose lives he touched.
“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.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
A bright young talent in South African football, Adams made a name for himself at Stellebosch FC before moving on to Mamelodi Sundowns and establishing himself in the national team set-up.
Mamelodi Sundowns posted a heartfelt statement following news of his death.
“It is with heartfelt sorrow that Mamelodi Sundowns can confirm the passing of highly talented Bafana Bafana midfielder, Jayden Adams,” read the statement.
“The Chairman and the Motsepe Family, the Board of Directors, Technical Team, Players, Management, Staff, Supporters of Mamelodi Sundowns FC & the entire Yellow Nation express their deepest condolences to the family and friends as we mourn the loss of Jayden.
“We pray that the Almighty God comforts and strengthens the Adams family, his friends and everyone that knew him. Sundowns respectfully ask that the family’s privacy be honoured as they grieve this profound loss.”
Born in Cape Town, Adams enjoyed some of his best football to date for the Sundowns in the latter stages of last season, with victory in the CAF Champions League final against Moroccan outfit AS FAR, having started in both legs of the two-legged final.
Adams lost his grandmother Marianna Adams two weeks ago, with the South African FA paying tribute to her, with the player showing remarkable resilience to continue playing for Bafana Bafana against Czechia.
He collected nine caps for Bafana Bafana in all and scored two goals.
“It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams,” South Africa Minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie said. “South Africa 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.
“I will always remember watching Bafana’s match against Czechia in Atlanta. I recall noting how unusually quiet Jayden seemed on the bench in the second half, after he had been substituted, it was only afterwards that we learnt he had taken to the field that day carrying the fresh grief of losing his grandmother, Marianna, who had passed away only hours before kick-off.”
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