South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams dies aged 25
South African professional footballer Jayden Adams has passed away at the age of 25. Adams, who played for Mamelodi Sundowns, recently represented his country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Why it matters
The death of a young, high-profile athlete has prompted an outpouring of grief from the South African sports community and government officials.
South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams has died, a government minister has confirmed.
The 25-year-old featured in all three of his country’s group matches at the World Cup last month.
Adams, who played his club football for Pretoria side Mamelodi Sundowns, was an unused substitute as South Africa exited the tournament in a last-32 defeat to co-hosts Canada on June 28th.
Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s minister of sport, arts and culture, said in a statement reported by a number of news outlets: “It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learned of the passing of Jayden Adams.
“South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents, and our nation mourns alongside his family, his team-mates and the millions of supporters who watched him grow from a promising academy prospect into a full Bafana Bafana international.”
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