South Africa international Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, the South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) has said.
SAFPU — which is recognised by FIFPRO, the global union for professional soccer players — said it was “devastated by the untimely passing” of the midfielder, who appeared in three of his nation’s matches at this summer’s World Cup.
The news was later confirmed by Adams’ club Mamelodi Sundowns and by the South African government’s Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture.
“Jayden had only recently represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, carrying the hopes of the nation with pride, courage and distinction,” SAFPU said in a statement on Saturday. “His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, the football fraternity and the country at large.”
SAFPU said it extended its “deepest condolences to the Adams family” as well as the South Africa national team, his current and former clubs, Mamelodi Sundowns and Stellenbosch, along with “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,” it continued. “May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Death has cruelly stolen one of our own.
It has robbed our nation of a remarkable footballer, but it will never take away the legacy Jayden Adams leaves behind. We will forever remember his humility, his extraordinary talent and the pride with which he represented South Africa.… pic.twitter.com/zl6uNXrbaV
— South African Football Players Union (@SAFPU_Official) July 11, 2026
A statement from the Sundowns read: “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.”
South Africa’s minister of sport, arts and culture, Gayton McKenzie, said the cause of Adams’ death has not been confirmed and that “South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents”.
“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,” McKenzie said in a statement.
He added: “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.”
Adams appeared in three of South Africa’s group-stage matches at this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. He started the tournament-opening defeat to Mexico and subsequent draw with Czech Republic, and appeared as a substitute in the 1-0 win over South Korea. He was an unused substitute for the round-of-32 defeat to Canada.
Adams appeared in three of South Africa’s group-stage matches at this summer’s World Cup including the opener against Mexico. (Luke Hales / Getty Images)
South Africa finished second in Group A with four points, and advanced to the knockout stages of the competition for the first time in their history.
Adams played club football for the Sundowns — the reigning CAF Champions League winners, who competed at last year’s Club World Cup in the United States, and have already qualified for the 2029 tournament. He made 67 appearances for the club since joining from Stellenbosch FC in January 2025, of which 37 came in the 2025-26 season.
Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, said he was “so incredibly sad” to hear the news of Adams’ death.
“My thoughts and condolences, as well as those of everyone at FIFA and the global football community, are with his family, friends and teammates,” Infantino said in a statement on social media. “The Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns star will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.”
Adams made his senior international debut in January 2024 at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), and made two substitute appearances in that iteration of the tournament as South Africa reached the semi-finals.
He won nine international caps during his career.
Adams scored his first and only senior international goal in the 2-0 World Cup qualifying win against Benin in March 2025. He netted in the 84th minute after Lyle Foster opened the scoring.
