The body of Jayden Adams, the South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder who played in all three of his country’s group games at the World Cup, was found at a house in Schotschekloof, a suburb in central Cape Town, on Saturday morning. Police said they had opened an investigation. He was 25.
Just weeks earlier, Adams had started the tournament opener, a 2-0 defeat by Mexico, and the 1-1 draw with Czechia, being substituted in both matches. He came off the bench in the 1-0 win against South Korea but took no part in the 1-0 last-32 defeat by Canada, the co-hosts who knocked out a South Africa side that had made history by reaching the knockout stages for the first time.
“South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams, who played at the World Cup, dies aged 25; body found in Cape Town.”
Adams carried a deeper private grief onto the pitch against the Czech Republic in Atlanta. Minister of sport, arts and culture Gayton McKenzie recalled how “unusually quiet” the midfielder seemed on the bench after being substituted – it was only afterwards that the team learned 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”. McKenzie said he would “forever carry the humble, appreciative response” Adams gave him when he reached out with condolences.
In a statement, McKenzie said: “It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt 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 teammates and the millions of supporters who watched him grow from a promising academy prospect into a full Bafana Bafana international.” The minister appealed for restraint and said the cause of death had not yet been confirmed.
Adams came through Stellenbosch’s youth system, becoming their first academy product to sign a professional contract. He made 139 appearances for the club, helping them lift the 2023 Carling Knockout, before moving to Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025, where he won league and African Champions League titles. He made his international debut in 2022 and was part of the South Africa squad that reached the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals.
The South African Football Players Union said it was “devastated by the untimely passing” of a player who “carried the hopes of the nation with pride, courage and distinction”. The union added: “His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, the football fraternity and country at large. We extend our deepest condolences to the Adams family, Mamelodi Sundowns, Stellenbosch FC, Bafana Bafana and all those whose lives he touched.” McKenzie extended his condolences to Adams’s family, including his “young daughter”. The question of what ended a life that had so much still to offer now hangs unanswered.