Tragedy struck as South African midfielder Jayden Adams, a participant in the current FIFA World Cup, passed away at just 25 years old.
The news of his untimely death was announced by Gayton McKenzie, the country’s minister of sport, arts, and culture, in a statement released overnight.
“I am profoundly shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Jayden Adams, a talented midfielder for both Mamelodi Sundowns and the national team, Bafana Bafana, at the young age of 25,” McKenzie shared on X.
“The loss of such a promising player is a blow to South African football. Our entire nation stands in mourning with his family, fellow players, and the countless fans who supported him.”
Adams played a crucial role in helping South Africa advance to the knockout stages of the World Cup for the very first time.
Police investigation into Adams’ death
The minister did not disclose a cause of death in his statement.
“The cause of Jayden’s passing has not yet been confirmed,” McKenzie said.
“I wish to appeal to members of the media and the public to exercise restraint and compassion, and to refrain from speculation.”
Police said they had opened an investigation after the body of a 25-year-old man was found at a house in Schotschekloof, a suburb in central Cape Town, on Saturday morning.
“Circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation,” Western Cape police spokesperson FC van Wyk told Agence France-Presse.
Adams honoured at Norway vs England
A moment of silence in honour of Adams was held before the kickoff of the World Cup quarter-final between Norway and England in Florida on Sunday.
Adams played in all three of South Africa’s group-stage matches at the World Cup, as Bafana Bafana reached the Round of 32 for the first time, but did not feature in the knockout defeat by Canada.
He was also part of the South Africa squad that finished third at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said he was “so incredibly sad to hear” that Adams had passed away just weeks after featuring in his nation’s historic World Cup campaign.
“My thoughts and condolences, as well as those of everyone at FIFA and the global football community, are with his family, friends and teammates,” Infantino said in a statement.
Born in Cape Town, Adams came through the Stellenbosch FC academy and became the club’s first youth graduate to sign a professional contract in August 2020.
He went on to make 139 appearances for the Cape Winelands side and helped them win the Carling Knockout in 2023 before joining Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025.
At Sundowns, the midfielder added a Premiership title and a CAF Champions League crown to his list of honours.
His death comes less than a month after the passing of his grandmother, on the eve of South Africa’s Group A match against Czechia at Atlanta Stadium.
“Jayden started in the match against Czechia and gave his all while carrying the burden of losing his grandmother,” the South African Football Association said at the time.
“Death has cruelly stolen one of our own. It has robbed our nation of a remarkable footballer,” the South African Football Players Union posted on X.
“We will forever remember his humility, his extraordinary talent and the pride with which he represented South Africa. Rest in eternal peace, Jayden. You will never be forgotten.”
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and the South African Federation of Trade Unions also expressed their condolences.