Jayden Adams, who recently represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has died. He was 25.
The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder’s body was found on Saturday morning in a house in the Schotschekloof suburb of central Cape Town, where police have begun an investigation into his death, according to the BBC. A cause of death is not yet known.
Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s minister of sport, arts and culture, reacted to the news in a statement. “It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams,” he said, according to the outlet.
“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,” added McKenzie.
McKenzie asked that fans give his family and teammates privacy, in addition to requesting the public “exercise restraint and compassion, and to refrain from speculation” amid the investigation.
Jayden Adams #23 of South Africa runs with the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between Mexico and South Africa at Mexico City Stadium on June 11, 2026. (Hector Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Adams’ death comes weeks after he featured in all three of South Africa’s group games for the FIFA World Cup, before the team ultimately lost to Canada in the Round of 32.
Born May 5, 2001 in Mamelodi, South Africa, Adams trained at Stellenbosch Football Club, where he became the first academy graduate to sign a professional contract, making his senior debut in August 2020.
Adams played two seasons with the Mamelodi Sundowns before he was named to his country’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
