The midfielder, who represented South Africa at this summer’s World Cup, has been flooded with messages following the tragic news.
Jaden Adams dies at age 25
Tributes have poured in for South African midfielder Jayden Adams, who passed away just days after taking part in the World Cup. South Africa’s Department of Sport, Arts and Culture has confirmed the tragic news of the death of a 25-year-old man.
The midfielder played for South African first division team Sundowns. He appeared in all three group stage matches of the World Cup, but did not come on as a substitute in the 1-0 loss to Canada in the Round of 32 final.
“It is with deep shock and heavy hearts that we learn of the passing of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams, aged 25,” said Gayton McKenzie, the country’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture.
“South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents and our country mourns along with his family, team-mates and the millions of supporters who watched him develop from an academy prospect to a full-fledged Bafana Bafana international.”
McKenzie added: “I’ll always remember watching Bafana’s game against the Czech Republic in Atlanta. I remember seeing Jaden looking unusually quiet on the bench in the second half after being substituted. It was only later that I realized that he had come onto the field with renewed grief over the loss of his grandmother Marianna, who had passed away a few hours before kick-off that day.”
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“When I reached out to Jayden to offer my condolences and encouragement, I will forever hold on to the humility and gratitude he gave me. His choosing to put on the national jersey and give his all for his country in that moment speaks to the depth of his character and professionalism far beyond his years, and it reflects the loss of a South African youth.”
“The cause of Jaden’s death has not yet been confirmed. I would like to appeal to members of the media and the public to exercise restraint, compassion and refrain from speculation. Meanwhile, his family and Mamelodi Sundowns will be given the space and privacy they need at this incredibly difficult time. Official information will be passed on by the appropriate parties in due course.”
“On behalf of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, I would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Jayden’s family, his young daughter, his Mamelodi Sundowns team-mates, his fellow players and coaching staff at Bafana Bafana, the South African Football Association and the entire football fraternity.
“May his soul rest in peace.”
His club Memelodi Sundowns paid tribute to the midfielder. “Mamelodi Sundowns are devastated by the tragic death of Jayden Adams,” they said.
“It is with deep sadness that Mamelodi Sundowns can announce the passing of the extremely talented Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams. The Chairman and the Motsepe family, the board of directors, technical team, players, management, staff, Mamelodi Sundowns FC supporters and the entire Yellow Nation mourn Jayden’s passing and extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends.”
“We pray that Almighty God will comfort and strengthen the Adams family, his friends and all who knew him. Sundowns respectfully requests that the privacy of the family be respected as they grieve this profound loss.”
The South African Football Players’ Union (SAFPU) has paid its condolences. “The South African Football Players’ Union (SAFPU) is devastated by the untimely passing of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams,” the statement read.
“Jaden most recently represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, carrying the hopes of his country with pride, courage and achievement. His death is an immense loss to his family, his team-mates, the club, 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 talented player, a proud servant of football and a young life with so much more to offer. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Along with the statement, they wrote on their X account: “Death has cruelly stolen what is ours.
“While this incident robbed our country of a great footballer, it will never take away the legacy of Jayden Adams. We will forever remember his humility, his extraordinary talent and the pride with which he represented South Africa.”
“Rest in eternal peace, Jayden. You will never be forgotten.”
The day after his grandmother’s death, he was included in the starting lineup for the 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic, but was sent off at half-time.
Jayden Adams will be playing for South Africa at the World Cup. (Image: Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
“The South African Football Association (SAFA) is saddened to hear of the passing of Marianna, the grandmother of Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams,” SAFA said in a statement at the time.
“Marianna Adams, 72, passed away on Thursday, June 18, 2026, the day before the South African Senior Men’s National Team’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A match against the Czech Republic at Atlanta Stadium. She passed away in hospital in Stellenbosch and will be buried on Saturday, June 27, 2026 (South African time).
“Jaden started against the Czech Republic and did his best, carrying the burden of losing his grandmother.
“After that match, South Africa earned their first points of this World Cup and the match ended in a 1-1 draw. On Wednesday they defeated South Korea 1-0, making history and qualifying for the second round of a world tournament for the first time.”
SAFA President Danny Jordaan added: “This is a great loss to Jayden’s family, friends and relatives and we also mourn the loss of his grandmother. We at SAFA extend our deepest condolences and may her soul rest in peace.”
Last season, Adams played 37 games in all competitions for the club, scoring two goals and providing one assist.
His participation in the World Cup earned him his ninth cap for South Africa.
