Jayden Adams, the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder who was a member of South Africa’s FIFA World Cup 2026 squad, has passed away at the age of 25. 

Per BBC, Adams played in all three of South Africa’s group games. Co-hosts Canada then knocked them out in the round of 32.

“It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams,” South Africa’s minister of sport, arts and culture Gayton McKenzie said, in a statement.

“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.”

Authorities in South Africa said they have since launched an investigation into his death. Adams’ body was found at his Cape Town home on Saturday. 

“The cause of Jayden’s passing has not yet been confirmed, and I wish to appeal to members of the media and the public to exercise restraint and compassion, and to refrain from speculation, while his family and Mamelodi Sundowns are given the space and privacy they need at this incredibly difficult time,” McKenzie said. 

“Any official information will be communicated by the appropriate parties in due course.”

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Adams’ grandmother died just a few hours before South Africa’s World Cup match against the Czech Republic. He, however, played in the match that ultimately ended 1-1. 

The South African Football Players Union, in a statement, said that Adams’ “untimely passing” had left them “devastated.”

“Jayden had only recently represented South Africa at the 2026 World Cup, carrying the hopes of the nation with pride, courage and distinction,” the statement added.

“His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, team-mates, clubs, the football fraternity and the country at large. 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.”

“It’s 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,” Fifa president Gianni 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 team-mates. The Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns star will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.”

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