South Africa World Cup star Jayden Adams dies aged 25 as tributes pour in
The midfielder represented South Africa at this summer's World Cup, and messages have been pouring in following the tragic newsAmie Wilson15:23, 12 Jul 2026Tributes have been paid following the death of South. . .
The midfielder represented South Africa at this summer's World Cup, and messages have been pouring in following the tragic newsAmie Wilson15:23, 12 Jul 2026Tributes have been paid following the death of South Africa international Jayden Adams, just days after his country's World Cup campaign came to an end. The South African Department of Sport, Arts and Culture confirmed the heartbreaking news that the 25-year-old midfielder had died. Adams played his club football for top-flight side Mamelodi Sundowns and featured in all three of South Africa's group-stage matches at the World Cup. He was an unused substitute as his side suffered a 1-0 defeat to Canada in the last 32. Reacting to the news, South Africa's Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, said: "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. ""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. "Mr McKenzie added: "I will always remember watching Bafana's match against Czechia in Atlanta. I recall noting how unusually quiet Jayden seemed on the bench in the second half, after he had been substituted - it was only afterwards that we learnt he had taken to the field that day carrying the fresh grief of losing his grandmother, Marianna, who had passed away only hours before kick-off. "When I reached out to Jayden to offer my condolences and encouragement, I shall carry forever the humble, appreciative response he gave me. That he chose to wear the national jersey and give his all for his country in that moment speaks to a depth of character and professionalism well beyond his years, and it reflects the calibre of young man South Africa has lost. "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. Any official information will be communicated by the appropriate parties in due course. "On behalf of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, I extend my deepest condolences to Jayden's family, his young daughter, his teammates at Mamelodi Sundowns, his fellow Bafana Bafana players and coaching staff, the South African Football Association, and the entire football fraternity. "May his soul rest in peace. "His club Memelodi Sundowns paid tribute to the midfielder. "Mamelodi Sundowns are devastated by the tragic passing of Jayden Adams," they said. "It is with heartfelt sorrow that Mamelodi Sundowns can confirm the passing of highly talented Bafana Bafana midfielder, Jayden Adams. The Chairman and the Motsepe Family, the Board of Directors, Technical Team, Players, Management, Staff, Supporters of Mamelodi Sundowns FC & the entire Yellow Nation express their deepest condolences to the family and friends as we mourn the loss of Jayden. "We pray that the Almighty God comforts and strengthens the Adams family, his friends and everyone that knew him. Sundowns respectfully ask that the family's privacy be honoured as they grieve this profound loss. "The South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) gave their tribute. "The South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) is devastated by the untimely passing of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams," the statement read. "Jayden had only recently represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, carrying the hopes of the nation with pride, courage and distinction. His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, the football fraternity and the country at large. Article continues below"We extend our deepest condolences to the Adams family, Mamelodi Sundowns, Stellenbosch FC, Bafana Bafana and all those whose lives he touched. "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. May his soul rest in eternal peace. "Click here to sign up to our sport newsletter, bringing you the top stories and biggest headlines from Ireland and beyond