Jayden Adams dies at 25: Sports world mourns sudden passing of South Africa midfielder after World Cup

Jayden Adams dies at 25: Sports world mourns sudden passing of South Africa midfielder after World Cup originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams has died at age 25, the South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) announced on Saturday, per The Athletic.

Adams, who recently appeared in three World Cup matches for South Africa, also helped lead his club, the Mamelodi Sundowns, to the African Champions League title in the 2025-26 season.

SAFPU, the Sundowns, South Africa’s minister of sport, arts and culture, and FIFA president Gianni Infantino all released statements on Adams' death.

Here's what's known about Adams' death.

The South African Football Players Union announced on Saturday that it was “devastated by the untimely passing” of Adams, who appeared in all three of South Africa's group-stage matches at the 2026 World Cup. The team went on to reach the Round of 32.

"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," SAFPU said in its release. "We will forever remember his humility, his extraordinary talent and the pride with which he represented South Africa. Rest in eternal peace, Jayden. You will never be forgotten."

Adams' club, the Mamelodi Sundowns, also released a statement, per The Athletic.

"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.”

Adams made appearances in South Africa's World Cup matches against Mexico, Czechia and South Korea. Per ESPN, Adams played in the Czechia match despite the death of his grandmother, Marianna Adams, the previous day.

He also made 67 appearances for his club, the Sundowns, since January 2025.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in his statement that 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.”

Gayton McKenzie, South Africa's minister of sport, arts and culture, said in a statement on Saturday that Adams' cause of death has not been confirmed, per The Athletic.

“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's statement said. “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.”

In a statement to ESPN, the Western Cape South African Police Service also said Adams' cause of death was under investigation.

"Cape Town Central police registered an Inquest for investigation following the discovery of the body of a 25-year-old male on Saturday, 2026-07-11 at 11:06 at a premises in Military Road, Scotscheskloof," the police statement said, per ESPN. "Circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation."

Here's a look at some of the most noteworthy tributes to Adams following his passing.