In brief
South African midfielder Jayden Adams died at 25, shortly after his World Cup appearances. The Bafana Bafana captain lost the support of his nation and the global football community. Authorities found the body in a Cape Town suburb and await an official cause of death. Adams had begun his career at Stellenbosch FC before joining Mamelodi Sundowns, winning league and African titles.
The Bafana Bafana midfielder, who had earned his first call‑up in 2022 and was a key figure in South Africa’s historic run to the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has died.
SA Minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie expressed profound sorrow, noting that the nation had lost “one of its brightest young talents.”
Police confirmed that the body of a 25‑year‑old was discovered in Schotschekloof, a suburb of Cape Town; the cause of death has yet to be established.
Adams began his professional career at Stellenbosch FC, moving to Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025 where he won the domestic league and the CAF Champions League.
He was an integral part of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations squad that reached the semi‑finals before being selected by coach Hugo Broos for the World Cup roster.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino offered condolences, stating that the world football community “will miss Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns’ star.”
