Police have launched an investigation into the death of South African midfielder Jayden Adams.
South African star Jayden Adams dies just two weeks after playing in the 2026 World Cup (Image: (Photo by Manuel Velasquez/Getty Images))
Police have launched an investigation into the death of South African star Jaden Adams, who died just two weeks after appearing for his country at this summer’s World Cup. The 25-year-old Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder was found dead on Saturday in a compound in Cape Town, South Africa.
Police have not yet determined the cause of death, and the investigation is ongoing. “Following the discovery of the body of a 25-year-old man on Saturday, Cape Town Central Police have launched an investigation into the incident,” a police statement said.
On Sunday, Adams’ father, Juanito, told South African television news station eNCA that the family was still awaiting autopsy results. He said: “As you all know, it was an untimely death and the family is struggling to process it.
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“It’s not going to be easy to stick with it. People say it gets easier, but it doesn’t. You just have to learn to accept it and live with it.”
Heartbreaking footage has surfaced on social media of Adams sitting through a rule change as his Bafana Bafana teammates celebrate their victory over South Korea, which booked them a place in the knockout stages of the tournament.
Adams appeared in all three group stage matches of the South African World Cup, but was an absentee in the 1-0 loss to Canada in the Round of 32 final.
Jaden Adams dies at age 25
Tributes have been pouring in for the midfielder, led by his club Memelodi Sundowns. They said: “Mamelodi Sundowns are devastated by the tragic death of Jayden Adams.
“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.”
Jayden Adams representing South Africa at the 2026 World Cup (Image: Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
The South African Football Players’ Union (SAFPU) also paid its respects, saying in a statement: “The South African Football Players’ Union (SAFPU) is devastated by the untimely passing of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams.”
“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.”
