South Africa World Cup midfielder Jayden Adams dies at 25

South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, just weeks after representing his country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Police in South Africa confirmed they have opened an investigation after the body of a 25-year-old man was found at a house in Schotschekloof, a suburb in central Cape Town, on Saturday morning.

Career and World Cup campaign

Adams featured in all three of South Africa's group games at the World Cup, where the team reached the knockout stages for the first time in their history before losing to co-hosts Canada in the round of 32. He started in the 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in Group A despite learning that his grandmother had passed away only hours before kick-off.

Adams made his international debut for South Africa in 2022 and was part of the squad that reached the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals. He began his club career at Stellenbosch FC before moving to Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025, where he won league and African Champions League titles.

Tributes and investigation

South Africa's Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, expressed profound shock. "It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams," McKenzie said in a statement. "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."

McKenzie added: "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 South African Football Players Union said it was "devastated by the untimely passing" of Adams. "Jayden had only recently represented South Africa at the 2026 World Cup, carrying the hopes of the nation with pride, courage and distinction. His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, team-mates, clubs, the football fraternity and the country at large. 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."

FIFA President Gianni Infantino also paid tribute. "It's so incredibly sad to hear that South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams has passed away just weeks after featuring in his nation's historic Fifa World Cup campaign. My thoughts and condolences, as well as those of everyone at Fifa and the global football community, are with his family, friends and team-mates. The Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns star will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace."