Jayden Adams Passes Away at 25
South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, just days after representing his country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The news was reported by eNCA on Saturday, triggering an outpouring of tributes from the football community.
Adams played for Mamelodi Sundowns in the South African top flight and featured in all three of Bafana Bafana's group stage matches at the World Cup. He was an unused substitute in the Round of 32 knockout loss to Canada.
Official Tributes from SAFPU
The South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) confirmed the sad news and released a statement: "The South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) is devastated by the untimely passing of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams. Jayden had only recently represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, carrying the hopes of the nation with pride, courage and distinction. His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, the football fraternity and the country at large."
SAFPU added: "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 gifted player, a proud servant of the game and a young life that still had so much to offer. May his soul rest in eternal peace."
On their X account, SAFPU wrote: "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. Rest in eternal peace, Jayden. You will never be forgotten."
Adams Played Through Personal Grief
During the tournament, the South African Football Association (SAFA) revealed that Adams played in the 1-1 draw with Czechia just a day after the death of his grandmother, Marianna. He started the match but was substituted at half-time. SAFA stated: "The South African Football Association (SAFA) is saddened to hear about the passing of Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams' grandmother, Marianna. The 72-year-old Marianna Adams passed away a day before the South African senior men's national team faced Czechia in a 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A match played at Atlanta Stadium on Thursday 18 June 2026. She passed away in a hospital in Stellenbosch and will be laid to rest on Saturday, 27 June 2026 (South Africa time). Jayden started in the match against Czechia and gave his all while carrying the burden of losing his grandmother."
South Africa earned their first point of the World Cup with that 1-1 draw and later made history by qualifying for the second round for the first time ever after a 1-0 win over South Korea.
Club and International Career
Last season, Adams made 37 appearances in all competitions for Sundowns, scoring twice and providing one assist. His World Cup appearances earned him his ninth cap for South Africa. SAFA president Danny Jordaan also offered condolences: "This is a massive loss for Jayden's family, friends and relatives and we join in mourning the loss of his grandmother. We as SAFA offer our deepest condolences and may her soul Rest in Peace."
