South African football has been plunged into mourning following the death of Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundownsmidfielder Jayden Adams, who has died at the age of 25, just weeks after representing his country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The tragic news emerged on Saturday, with Soccer Laduma reporting that the midfielder’s representatives and family confirmed his passing. However, the cause of death has not been made public, while Mamelodi Sundowns had yet to issue an official statement at the time of publication.
The talented midfielder was part of South Africa’s historic FIFA World Cup campaign in the United States, Canada and Mexico, helping Bafana Bafana reach the knockout stage for the first time before they were eliminated by Canada in the Round of 32.
Adams featured in all three of South Africa’s group stage matches and was an unused substitute during the 1-0 defeat to Canada.
According to Soccer Laduma, the 25-year-old had only recently returned from the World Cup and was due to rejoin Mamelodi Sundowns for their pre season training camp in Austria after being granted additional leave alongside other World Cup participants.
Jayden Adams of Mamelodi Sundowns during the CAF Champions League 2025/26 – Final – 1st leg match between Mamelodi Sundown and AS FAR Photocredit: Backpagepix
Speaking on behalf of Adams’ family, his mentor Brendine Johnson described the shock surrounding the midfielder’s death and appealed for privacy during an emotional period.
“At this moment, things are still raw. The family wouldn’t want to be contacted right now. This passing has ripped everybody apart,” Johnson told Soccer Laduma.
Johnson revealed that he had spoken with Adams only days earlier and said the midfielder had been looking forward to returning to club football after helping Sundowns win both the CAF Champions League and Betway Premiership.
“I had a close conversation with him on Thursday. The guy was really positive on returning back after the World Cup and being able to continue after becoming a CAF champion. He was prepared. Nobody expected this,” he added.
Adams rose from Stellenbosch to the South Africas Bafana Bafana
Adams emerged through the Stellenbosch FC academy before signing his first professional contract in 2020.
He quickly developed into one of the Premier Soccer League’s finest midfielders, making 139 appearances for the Cape Winelands club the second-highest total in Stellenbosch history.
During his time at the club, he helped Stellenbosch lift the 2023 Carling Knockout Cup, performances that earned him a high-profile move to Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025.
His impact continued immediately in Pretoria, where he played a role in Sundowns’ domestic dominance and their CAF Champions League triumph.
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Adams also established himself as an important member of Hugo Broos’ South Africa squad.
He was part of the Bafana Bafana team that secured a bronze medal at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations before featuring prominently during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
His performances in the group stage formed part of South Africa’s memorable campaign as they progressed beyond the opening round of the tournament before bowing out to Canada.
Jayden ADAMS HAD Personal tragedy during the World Cup
Barely two weeks after the South African Football Association (SAFA) publicly confirmed that Adams had played against Czechia at the World Cup just one day after the death of his grandmother, Marianna Adams.
According to SAFA, the midfielder carried the emotional burden throughout South Africa’s opening match before continuing to help the team reach the knockout stage.
Jayden Adams. PhotoCredit: Imago
At the time, SAFA President Danny Jordaan praised Adams’ professionalism while extending condolences to his family following the loss of his grandmother.
The circumstances surrounding Adams’ death remain undisclosed despite early reports of suicide, with his family requesting privacy while they mourn their devastating loss, an end to a career that had appeared destined for even greater heights after shining for both club and country on football’s biggest stage.
