Jayden Adams, the South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, 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 had opened an investigation after the body of a 25-year-old man was discovered at a residence in Schotschekloof, a suburb in central Cape Town, on Saturday morning. The cause of death has not yet been established.

A nation in mourning

South Africa's minister of sport, arts and culture, Gayton McKenzie, led the tributes, describing the news as a profound shock. "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 said.

McKenzie also urged the public and media to avoid speculation while Adams' family and Mamelodi Sundowns are afforded space and privacy. "Any official information will be communicated by the appropriate parties in due course," he added.

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," 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."

World Cup hero

Adams featured in all three of South Africa's group-stage matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Bafana Bafana made history by reaching the knockout stages for the first time. Their run came to an end in the round of 32, where they fell to co-hosts Canada.

In a remarkable display of character, Adams started the 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic in Group A despite learning only hours before kick-off that his grandmother had passed away.

The South African Football Players Union expressed that it was "devastated by the untimely passing" of Adams, who had made his international debut in 2022. "His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, team-mates, clubs, the football fraternity and the country at large," the union said. "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."

Career and legacy

Adams began his career at Stellenbosch FC before joining Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025, where he collected both league and African Champions League honours. He was also part of the South Africa squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

He leaves behind a legacy that stretched far beyond his 25 years — a player who carried the hopes of a nation with pride, courage, and distinction on football's biggest stage.