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South African footballer Jayden Adams has passed away at the age of 25, leaving the Bafana Bafana community in deep mourning just weeks after his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, who earned three international caps, was part of Hugo Broos’ squad that made it to the last 32. The team created history by reaching the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time before being eliminated by co-hosts Canada.

Adams featured in all three group-stage matches, starting in the opening fixture against Mexico, and later coming on as a substitute in the games against the Czech Republic and South Korea.

Details surrounding his death remain uncertain. The South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) expressed heartfelt condolences in an official statement, saying: “The SAFPU is devastated by the untimely passing of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder, Jayden Adams.”

“Jayden had only recently represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA 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 the country as a whole.”

“We extend our deepest condolences to the Adams family, Mamelodi Sundowns, Stellenbosch FC, Bafana Bafana, and all those whose lives he touched.”

“South African football has lost a gifted player, a proud servant of the game, and a young man who still had so much to contribute.”

“May his soul rest in eternal peace.”

A promising figure in South African football, Adams first rose to prominence with Stellenbosch FC before moving to Mamelodi Sundowns, where he solidified his position within the national team setup.

Born in Cape Town, Adams played some of his best football for Mamelodi Sundowns in the latter stages of the previous season, helping the club secure the CAF Champions League title against Moroccan side AS FAR.

Just two weeks before his passing, Adams suffered the loss of his grandmother, Marianna Adams. The South African Football Association paid tribute to her, acknowledging the midfielder’s remarkable resilience for continuing to play for Bafana Bafana against Czechia despite his personal grief.

In total, Adams earned nine caps for South Africa and scored two international goals.

South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie, expressed his sorrow, stating: “It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams. South Africa has lost one of its brightest young talents, and our nation mourns alongside his family, teammates, and the millions of supporters who watched him grow from a promising academy prospect into a full Bafana Bafana international.”

He added: “I will always remember watching Bafana’s match against Czechia in Atlanta. I recall noticing how unusually quiet Jayden seemed on the bench in the second half, after being substituted. It was only later that we learned he had taken to the field that day while mourning the loss of his grandmother, Marianna, who had passed away just hours before kick-off.”