Jayden Adams dies at 25 weeks after representing South Africa at 2026 World Cup

South African footballer Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, just weeks after representing his country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) confirmed the midfielder's death on Saturday, paying tribute to a player who had carried "the hopes of the nation with pride, courage and distinction" throughout the tournament.

"The South African Football Players Union is devastated by the untimely passing of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams," the organization said in a statement shared on social media.

"His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, the football fraternity and the country at large."

The union added, "Death has cruelly stolen one of our own. It has robbed our nation of a remarkable footballer, but it will never take away the legacy Jayden Adams leaves behind. We will forever remember his humility, his extraordinary talent and the pride with which he represented South Africa."

Adams recently featured in South Africa's 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign across the United States, Canada and Mexico. He appeared in all three group-stage matches, starting against Mexico and the Czech Republic before coming off the bench in the team's victory over South Korea. He was also named among the substitutes during South Africa's Round of 32 defeat to Canada.

The midfielder began his professional career with Stellenbosch FC after becoming the club's first academy graduate to sign a senior contract in August 2020. He later joined Mamelodi Sundowns, where he established himself as one of the country's most promising talents.

South Africa's Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, also paid tribute, describing Adams as "one of its brightest young talents."

"It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams," McKenzie said. "South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents, and our nation mourns alongside his family, his teammates and the millions of supporters who watched him grow from a promising academy prospect into a full Bafana Bafana international."

McKenzie also revealed that Adams had endured a personal tragedy during the World Cup, with his grandmother reportedly dying just hours before South Africa's match against the Czech Republic on June 18.

Recalling the moment, the minister said Adams had quietly taken the field while grieving the loss of his grandmother, Marianna, who died only hours before kickoff.

Authorities have not yet confirmed Adams' cause of death. McKenzie urged the public to avoid speculation and allow the footballer's family and club the privacy they need during this difficult time.