South African football has been thrown into mourning following the death of Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams, who died at the age of 25.
The South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) confirmed Adams’ death on Saturday, saying the midfielder passed away at his home in Stellenbosch. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed.
His death comes just weeks after he represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Bafana Bafana reached the knockout stage for the first time in the country’s history.
Adams featured in all three of South Africa’s group-stage matches against Mexico, the Czech Republic and South Korea, helping the national team advance to the Round of 32. He was an unused substitute in South Africa’s 1-0 defeat to Canada, which ended the country’s World Cup campaign.
During the tournament, Adams reportedly continued to play despite the personal loss of his grandmother, Marianna Adams, who died a day before South Africa’s group-stage match against the Czech Republic.
Born in Cape Town, Adams rose through the youth ranks of Stellenbosch FC before making his senior debut during the 2019/20 season. He went on to make more than 100 appearances for the club, earning a reputation as one of South Africa’s brightest midfield talents.
His impressive performances secured him a move to Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025, where he became a key member of the squad that won the 2026 CAF Champions League title.
At international level, Adams earned nine senior caps for South Africa and was part of the Bafana Bafana squad that won the bronze medal at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.
Tributes have continued to pour in from across the football community following news of his death.
Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Dr. Patrice Motsepe described Adams’ passing as a huge loss to South African football, extending his condolences to the player’s wife, Aqueelah Adendorf, their daughter and the entire football community.
In a statement, SAFPU said Adams represented South Africa with “pride, courage and distinction” at the FIFA World Cup and described him as a gifted footballer whose career was cut short.
“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 union said.
Adams’ former mentor, Brendine Johnson, also expressed shock at the news, saying the midfielder had returned from the World Cup excited about the future.
His family has appealed for privacy as they mourn his passing.
