South African midfielder Jayden Adams, who featured for his country at the ongoing 2026 World Cup, has died at the age of 25, Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie announced on Saturday.
“It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams,” McKenzie said in a statement. “South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents.”
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) also paid tribute, stating on X that “Football has lost one of its own.”
Police have opened an investigation after a 25-year-old man’s body was found in a Cape Town suburb, though no cause of death has been officially confirmed.
Adams played in all three of South Africa’s group-stage matches as Bafana Bafana reached the round of 32 for the first time. He also helped the team finish third at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.
A product of Stellenbosch FC, he later joined Mamelodi Sundowns, winning domestic and continental honours. His death comes shortly after the passing of his grandmother.
