South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams has died aged 25 after featuring in Bafana Bafana's run to the World Cup round of 32, the South African Football Players Union confirmed on Saturday.
Adams started two of South Africa's three group games and came off the bench in a 1-0 win over South Korea that sealed their place in the knockout rounds for the first time in their history on the evening of June 24.
He was an unused substitute when South Africa were knocked out of the tournament by Canada on June 28.
The South African Football Players Union, the Ministry of Sport, Arts & Culture and Mamelodi Sundowns confirmed his death on Saturday. The cause of death has not been confirmed.
"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," Western Cape South African Police Service spokesperson F.C. van Wyk told ESPN.
"Circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation."
The South African Football Players Union said in a Saturday statement: "The South African Football Players Union (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 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 at large.
"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 life that still had so much to offer.
"May his soul rest in eternal peace."
In the group stages, Adams started the 2-0 loss to Mexico and 1-1 draw with Czechia, playing in the latter game despite the death of his grandmother Marianna Adams the previous day.
Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday said they are "devastated by the tragic passing of Jayden Adams."
In a statement, the club said: "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 strengths 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."
Minister of Sports, Arts & Culture of South Africa Gayton McKenzie said in a Saturday statement: "When I reached out to Jayden to offer my condolences and encouragement, I shall carry forever the humble, appreciative response he gave me. That he chose to wear the national jersey and give his all for his country in that moment speaks to a depth of character and professionalism well beyond his years, and it reflects the calibre of young man South Africa has lost."
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has also paid tribute to Adams. In a statement posted on Instagram, he said:
"It is so incredibly sad to hear that South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams has passed away just weeks after featuring in his nation's historic FIFA World Cup campaign.
"My thoughts and condolences, as well as those of everyone at FIFA and the global football community, are with his family, friends and team-mates. The Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns star will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace."
Adams then came off the bench in the 1-0 win over South Korea, which proved to be his last game of football.
Adams had, in May, won the CAF Champions League with Mamelodi Sundowns and dedicated his winners' medal to Oshwin Andries -- a former Stellenbosch FC teammate who had died in 2023 after a stabbing.
Adams and Andries came up the ranks at Stellenbosch together, and the club suffered the loss of another young player early in 2026 with the death of Jeandre Gaffoor.
By the time of Gaffoor's death, Adams had established himself at his last club, Sundowns -- whom he joined from Stellenbosch in January 2025.
