South Africa footballer dies aged 25 just days after World Cup exit | Football | Sport
Jayden Adams dies aged 25 (Image: Getty Images)
South African football is mourning the death of midfielder Jayden Adams, who has passed away at the age of 25, just weeks after the nation’s World Cup exit. The tragic news was confirmed on Saturday afternoon.
“It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams, midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, at the age of 25,” South Africa’s Department of Sport, Arts and Culture minister Gayton McKenzie said in a statement.
“South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents, and our nation mourns alongside his family, his teammates and the millions of supporters who watched him grow from a promising academy prospect into a full Bafana Bafana international.
“On the international stage, Jayden was part of the Bafana Bafana squad that claimed bronze at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, and he earned his place in Hugo Broos’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring in all three of South Africa’s group matches as the team made history by reaching the Round of 32 for the first time.
“I will always remember watching Bafana’s match against Czechia in Atlanta. I recall noting how unusually quiet Jayden seemed on the bench in the second half, after he had been substituted – it was only afterwards that we learnt he had taken to the field that day carrying the fresh grief of losing his grandmother, Marianna, who had passed away only hours before kick-off.
“When I reached out to Jayden to offer my condolences and encouragement, I shall carry forever the humble, appreciative response he gave me. That he chose to wear the national jersey and give his all for his country in that moment speaks to a depth of character and professionalism well beyond his years, and it reflects the calibre of young man South Africa has lost.
“The cause of Jayden’s passing has not yet been confirmed, and I wish to appeal to members of the media and the public to exercise restraint and compassion, and to refrain from speculation, while his family and Mamelodi Sundowns are given the space and privacy they need at this incredibly difficult time. Any official information will be communicated by the appropriate parties in due course.
Jayden Adams has sadly passed away (Image: ISI Photos via Getty Images)
“On behalf of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, I extend my deepest condolences to Jayden’s family, his young daughter, his teammates at Mamelodi Sundowns, his fellow Bafana Bafana players and coaching staff, the South African Football Association, and the entire football fraternity.
“May his soul rest in peace.
A statement by South African Football Players Union reads: “The South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) is devastated by the untimely passing of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams. Jayden had only recently represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, carrying the hopes of the nation with pride, couraging and distinction. His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, the football fraternity and the country at large.
Jayden Adams has sadly passed away (Image: FIFA via Getty Images)
“We extend our deepest condolences to the Adams family, Mamelodi Sundowns, Stellenbosch FC, Bafana Bafana and all those whose lives he touched. 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. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
The midfielder was part of Hugo Broos’ squad for this summer’s tournament and played in all three group‑stage games against Mexico, the Czech Republic and South Korea. But he was an unused substitute in the 1‑0 defeat to Canada in the round‑of‑32 knockout match.
In a statement at the time of Adams’ grandmother’s passing, the SAFA said: “The South African Football Association (SAFA) is saddened to hear about the passing of Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams’ grandmother, Marianna.
Jayden Adams in action during the 2026 World Cup (Image: Getty)
“The 72-year-old Marianna Adams passed away a day before the South African senior men’s national team faced Czechia in a 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A match played at Atlanta Stadium on Thursday 18 June 2026. She passed away in a hospital in Stellenbosch and will be laid to rest on Saturday, 27 June 2026 (South Africa time).”
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Adams made nine senior appearances for South Africa and was part of the Bafana squad that won bronze at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.
A product of the Stellenbosch academy, Adams signed his first professional contract in 2020 before establishing himself as a key figure in the first team.
He made 139 appearances for the Cape Winelands club – the second‑most in their history before securing a move to Mamelodi Sundowns.
