​South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, a few weeks after his appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the South African Football Players Union confirmed in a statement. Adams played in all three of Bafana Bafana’s Group Stage matches, including two starts, and even started the crucial 1-1 draw with Czechia despite learning of his grandmother’s death just a day earlier. At this stage, there has been no official disclosure of the cause of death.
“The South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) is devastated by the untimely passing of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams,” the organization said in a statement released on Saturday morning. South Africa was eliminated from the tournament on June 28 in the Knockout Stage after a clash with co-host Canada. “Jayden had only recently represented South Africa at the FIFA World Cup, carrying the hopes of the nation with pride, courage and distinction. His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, the football fraternity and the country at large,” the message continued.
The union also offered condolences to everyone affected, noting: “We extend our deepest condolences to the Adams family, Mamelodi Sundowns, Stellenbosch FC, Bafana Bafana and all those whose lives he touched. 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.”
In addition to his World Cup duties, Adams had previously achieved success on the club level, having helped Mamelodi Sundowns win the CAF Champions League. The football community continues to mourn his passing and support those closest to him during this incredibly difficult and tragic time.