South Africa World Cup midfielder Jayden Adams dies at 25

Sun Sep 06 2026 04:46:13 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

South African midfielder Jayden Adams dies at 25 after World Cup; family mourns.

South African midfielder Jayden Adams, who played for Mamelodi Sundowns and the national team, passed away aged 25 weeks after the World Cup. The 2026 tournament saw him feature in all three of South Africa's group matches before a loss to Canada in the round of 32. Police opened an investigation after his body was found in Cape Town’s Schotschekloof suburb. South Africa’s Minister of Sport called the loss shocking and urged restraint while details remain pending. Adams’ career began at Stellenbosch, then moved to Mamelodi, winning league and continental championships, and he earned national honours from 2026 onwards.

South Africa World Cup midfielder Jayden Adams dies at 25

South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, just weeks after featuring for his country at the World Cup.

He played in all three of South Africa’s group matches, including a 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic that he started despite learning his grandmother had passed away hours before kick‑off.

Police opened an investigation after an un‑identified 25‑year‑old body was found in a house in Schotschekloof, a Cape Town suburb.

South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie, said the passing of Adams was a profound shock and that the nation mourned with his family, teammates and supporters.

McKenzie pressed the media to exercise restraint and compassion while the family and Mamelodi Sundowns are given privacy, noting no official cause of death had been confirmed.

The South African Football Players Union called Adams’ untimely death devastating, noting he made his international debut in 2022 and had recently helped the national side reach the 2026 World Cup knockout stages.

Adams began his career at Stellenbosch FC before joining Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025, where he won a league title and an African Champions League trophy. He was also part of the squad that reached the semi‑finals of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.

Adams had represented South Africa at the 2026 World Cup, carrying the nation’s hopes with pride and courage. His passing is an immeasurable loss to family, teammates, clubs and the country at large.