South Africa World Cup Midfielder Jayden Adams Dies At 25
By Sabiu Abdullahi
South African international and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, weeks after representing his country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Adams was reportedly found dead on Saturday morning at a residential building in Schotschekloof, a suburb of central Cape Town. Authorities and members of his family have not disclosed the cause of his death.
His death came shortly after another tragedy in his family. His 72-year-old grandmother, Marianna Adams, died on June 17, one day before South Africa’s decisive group-stage match against the Czech Republic.
Despite the loss, Adams remained with the national team. He started the match and continued his World Cup campaign.
Brendine Johnson, the late footballer’s mentor and family representative, confirmed the news and spoke about the shock surrounding his death.
“This passing has ripped everybody apart, returning from the World Cup just now, and then getting such news. Nobody expected this,” Johnson said.
He added, “I had a close conversation with him on Thursday, the guy was really positive on returning back, and being able to return after the World Cup… knowing what lies ahead, he was prepared.”
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) also confirmed Adams’ death in a post on X.
South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, described the footballer’s death as a huge loss to the country.
“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,” McKenzie said.
The South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) also paid tribute to the midfielder.
“Jayden had only recently represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, carrying the hopes of the nation with pride, courage, and distinction,” the union stated.
It added, “His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, the football fraternity and country at large.”
Adams played a key role in South Africa’s historic World Cup campaign. The Bafana Bafana side reached the knockout stage for the first time in the tournament’s history. He featured in all three group-stage matches. He started against Mexico and the Czech Republic before coming off the bench in the team’s 1–0 victory over South Korea.
At club level, Adams enjoyed a successful 2025/26 season with Mamelodi Sundowns. He helped the club win the CAF Champions League title after joining from Stellenbosch FC.