World Cup midfielder Jayden Adams dies at 25

South African football mourns the loss of Jayden Adams, a promising midfielder who died at the age of 25. Adams was a vital part of the national team, Bafana Bafana, helping them reach the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup for the first time in the country's history.

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It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams, midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, at the age of 25.

Adams featured in all three of South Africa's group stage matches. He played in the opening game against the Czech Republic just hours after learning of his grandmother's death. He also played in the crucial match against South Korea that secured their advancement to the knockout rounds. The team's journey to the knockout stage was a historic achievement, as they had never before progressed past the group stage, even when hosting the tournament in 2010.

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South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents, and our nation mourns alongside his family, his team-mates and the millions of supporters.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his condolences, calling Adams' death "incredibly sad" so soon after his World Cup performance. The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, shared his "profound shock and a heavy heart" upon learning of Adams' passing. He noted that South African football had lost one of its brightest young talents.

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It's 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.

Adams also had a successful club career, playing for Stellenbosch and most recently Mamelodi Sundowns, whom he helped win the CAF Champions League this year. The South African Football Players Union lamented the loss, stating that "death has cruelly stolen one of our own" and robbed the nation of a remarkable footballer. The union remembered his humility, talent, and the pride with which he represented South Africa. Further details surrounding his death were not immediately released, with officials urging for restraint and compassion.

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Death has cruelly stolen one of our own. It has robbed our nation of a remarkable footballer.