Jayden Adams, a midfielder for South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns, has died at the age of 25. His death came less than two weeks after South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign ended.
Adams featured in all three group stage matches for Bafana Bafana at the tournament, starting two. South Africa advanced to the knockout rounds for the first time before losing to Canada in the round of 32.
The South African Football Players Union issued a statement expressing devastation at the loss. It described Adams as a gifted player who represented his country with pride and noted the impact on his family, teammates and the wider football community.
The union extended condolences to Adams’ family, Mamelodi Sundowns, Stellenbosch FC and the national team. It added that South African football had lost a young player who still had much to offer.
