- South African Star Jayden Adams Dies Days After Playing In 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Adams recently represented Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Family requests privacy as football community mourns his passing.
South African football has been thrown into mourning following the death of Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams at the age of 25.
Adams, who recently returned from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, died on Saturday, July 11. The news was reported by multiple South African media outlets after it was confirmed by individuals close to the player.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the cause of his death has not been officially disclosed. As of the time of filing this report, neither the South African Football Association (SAFA) nor Mamelodi Sundowns had issued an official statement.
The midfielder represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring in all three group stage matches against Mexico, the Czech Republic and South Korea as Bafana Bafana advanced to the knockout stage. He did not feature in the team’s Round of 32 defeat to Canada.
Adams’ death comes just weeks after he suffered the loss of his grandmother, Marianna Adams, who passed away while he was on international duty at the World Cup.
The talented midfielder earned nine senior international caps for South Africa and established himself as one of the country’s brightest prospects during his time at Stellenbosch FC before joining Mamelodi Sundowns in 2025.
During his career, he helped Sundowns win the Betway Premiership and the CAF Champions League, adding to an impressive résumé that also included the 2023 Carling Knockout title with Stellenbosch.
Adams made 139 appearances for Stellenbosch, the second highest in the club’s history, before completing his move to the Pretoria-based giants.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Adams’ mentor, Brendine Johnson, appealed for privacy as relatives mourned the tragic loss.
“At this moment, things are still raw, you know, things are still raw. The family wouldn’t want to be contacted right now, they wouldn’t be able to answer anyone,” he told The Mirror.
“This passing has ripped everybody apart, returning from the World Cup just now, and then got such news, you know. I had a close conversation with him on Thursday, the guy was really positive about returning back, and being able to return after the World Cup and go, you know, being a CAF champion, knowing what lies ahead, he was prepared.
“He doesn’t waste time away, being at home with his family. So at this moment, I don’t even have words to say, but we ask that the family’s privacy be respected. Yes, I can tell you that he passed on. Nobody expected this.”
Last month, SAFA expressed condolences following the death of Adams’ grandmother during the World Cup.
“This is a massive loss for Jayden’s family, friends and relatives, and we join in mourning the loss of his grandmother. We as SAFA offer our deepest condolences and may her soul rest in Peace,” SAFA president Danny Jordaan said at the time.
Adams had been expected to rejoin Mamelodi Sundowns next week after receiving extended leave following the World Cup. Instead, news of his death has left the South African football community in shock, with tributes expected from across the sport.
