South African midfielder Jayden Adams, who recently represented the country at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, has died at the age of 25.
The death of the footballer was confirmed on Saturday by South Africa’s Minister of Sports, Gayton McKenzie, who described the news as a great loss to the country’s football community.
“It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams,” McKenzie said in a statement, describing him as one of South Africa’s brightest young football talents.
The cause of death was not disclosed.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) also paid tribute, saying on social media that African football had lost one of its own.
Meanwhile, Western Cape police said an investigation has been launched after the body of a 25-year-old man was discovered at a residence in Schotschekloof, a suburb of Cape Town, on Saturday morning.
Police spokesperson FC van Wyk said the circumstances surrounding the death remain under investigation.
Adams featured in all three of South Africa’s group-stage matches at the ongoing World Cup, helping Bafana Bafana reach the Round of 32 for the first time before the team was eliminated by Canada.
He was also a member of the South African squad that finished third at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed sadness over the midfielder’s passing, extending condolences to his family, teammates, and the wider football community.
Born in Cape Town, Adams progressed through the Stellenbosch FC academy and became the club’s first youth graduate to sign a professional contract in 2020.
He made 139 appearances for Stellenbosch, helping the club win the 2023 Carling Knockout title before joining Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025.
During his time at Sundowns, Adams won the South African Premiership title and the CAF Champions League.
His death comes less than a month after the passing of his grandmother, a personal loss he endured while representing South Africa at the World Cup.
