South African football has been thrown into mourning following the death of Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams at the age of 25.
The news was confirmed on Saturday by South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie. No cause of death has yet been disclosed even though reports suggest suicide due to depression arising from the loss of his grandmother.
Adams recently represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring in all three of the team’s group-stage matches as Bafana Bafana reached the knockout rounds before exiting the tournament with a defeat to co-hosts Canada in the Round of 32. He did not play in that knockout fixture.
In a statement, McKenzie described Adams’ death as a devastating loss for the country.
“It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams, midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, at the age of 25,” he said.
“South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents, and our nation mourns alongside his family, his teammates and the millions of supporters who watched him grow from a promising academy prospect into a full Bafana Bafana international.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino also paid tribute to the midfielder, saying the global football community was deeply saddened by the news.
“It is so incredibly sad to hear that South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams has passed away just weeks after featuring in his nation’s historic FIFA World Cup campaign,” Infantino said.
“My thoughts and condolences, as well as those of everyone at FIFA and the global football community, are with his family, friends and teammates. The Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns star will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.”
The South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) described Adams’ passing as an immeasurable loss.
“Jayden had only recently represented South Africa at the 2026 World Cup, carrying the hopes of the nation with pride, courage, and distinction,” the union said.
“His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, the football fraternity and country at large.”
