New Delhi: Jayden Adams, who played in South Africa’s three group stage matches at the FIFA World Cup 2026, has passed away at the age of 25, the country’s sports ministry said on Saturday, July 11. The minister did not disclose a cause of his death.

He started in Group A matches against Mexico and the Czech Republic before coming on as a substitute in the 1-0 victory against South Korea that earned South Africa a first-ever place in the knockout rounds.

The Bafana Bafana were then eliminated from the tournament by Canada in the Round of 32. The midfielder also played for the Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa, helping them to win the African Champions League title in the 2025/26 season.

‘South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents’: Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie

The minister of sport, Gayton McKenzie, confirmed the news in a statement and expressed his condolences to his family, teammates and fans.

“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,” the statement 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,” it added.

Police said they have launched an investigation after the body of a 25-year-old man was discovered at a house in Schotsche Kloof on Saturday morning. The South African Football Players Union said in a statement that it is devastated by the passing of midfielder Jayden Adams, expressing its condolences to his family, teammates and clubs.

“Jayden had only recently represented South Africa at the 2026 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 country at large,” the SAFPU wrote in a statement.

Adams made his international debut against Mozambique in 2022 and has since made 13 appearances for the country, scoring twice in World Cup qualifiers.