Midfielder Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, two weeks after appearing at the World Cup for South Africa, the country’s minister of sport, arts and culture, Gayton McKenzie, announced Saturday.
Police in South Africa opened an investigation after the body of a 25-year-old man was found at a house in Schotsche Kloof, a suburb in central Cape Town, on Saturday morning.
“It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams,” McKenzie wrote.
“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.”
Adams was featured in South Africa’s starting lineup against Czechia in the group stage despite learning that his grandmother had passed away only hours before kick-off.
A cause of death for Adams has not been confirmed.
Adams played for Mamelodi Sundowns in the South African Premiership after starting his career at Stellenbosch FC. He helped his team capture the league and African League titles in 2025.
He made his debut for South Africa on the international stage 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,” the South African Football Players Union wrote in a statement.
“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.”
South Africa made its first appearance in the knockout stages at the World Cup before losing to Canada in the Round of 32.