South Africa World Cup Star Jayden Adams Dies Aged 25

He played in all three of South Africa’s group-stage matches at the tournament, helping the team advance to the knockout rounds before they were eliminated by co-hosts Canada in the round of 32.

“It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams,” South Africa’s minister of sport, arts and culture Gayton 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.”

South African police confirmed they have launched an investigation after discovering the body of a 25-year-old man at a residence in Schotschekloof, a suburb of central Cape Town, on Saturday morning.

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.”

Adams took to the field for the 1-1 draw against the Czech in Group A, even after finding out his grandmother had died just hours before the match began.

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The South African Football Players Union said it was “devastated by the untimely passing” of Adams, who earned his first international cap in 2022.

“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.”

Adams began his career at Stellenbosch FC before joining Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025, where he claimed both league and African Champions League honours.

He featured in South Africa’s run to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals before earning a place in Hugo Broos’ World Cup squad, as the national team made history by reaching the tournament’s knockout stages for the first time.

“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,” Fifa president Gianni Infantino said.

“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.”