World Cup 2026 star dies just weeks after representing his country at tournament

The 25-year-old, who played for Mamelodi Sundowns, featured in all three of Bafana Bafana’s group games at the World Cup this summer, starting in the tournament’s opening game, a 2-0 defeat to Mexico, and the following game against Czechia, where South Africa drew 1-1.

Capped a total of 13 times, Adams began his football career with Stellenbosch in 2020, spending five years at the Danie Craven Stadium, before being snapped up by 15-time champions Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025 for a reported fee of £900,000. Most recently, he played a key role in Masandawana’s successful CAF Champions League campaign, where they defeated Moroccan side AS FAR 2–1 on aggregate in a two-legged final.

The South African Football Players Union said it was "devastated by the untimely passing", adding: “Jayden had only recently represented South Africa at the 2026 World Cup, carrying the hopes of the nation with pride, courage and distinction. His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, team-mates, clubs, the football fraternity and the country at large."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."

"It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams," said South Africa's minister of sport, arts and culture, Gayton McKenzie. “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 who watched him grow from a promising academy prospect into a full Bafana Bafana international."