South Africa's Jayden Adams dies at 25 after playing in World Cup

Jayden Adams, who played for South Africa in the three FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, died at age 25, the country's football players' union confirmed Saturday.

No official cause of death was released.

"The South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) is devastated by the untimely passing of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams,” South Afirca’s players union said in a statement.

"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.

"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."

Jayden Adams was in South Africa’s starting XI for two of the three World Cup matches he appeared in despite the death of his grandmother, Marianna, one day before a 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic. He started in that match and was also in the lineup for South Africa's 2-0 loss to Mexico. He was a sub in a 1-0 win over South Korea.

He was an unused substitute when South Africa was knocked out by Canada on June 28.

Before the World Cup, he helped Mamelodi Sundowns secure the CAF Champions League title. He joined Sundowns after his stint with Stellenbosch FC. Following Sundowns’ success, Adams dedicated his medal to late Stellenbosch teammate Oshwin Andries, who died after being stabbed in 2023.