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Jayden Adams: South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams has died at age 25.
The South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) confirmed the news on Saturday.
Adams had recently helped Bafana Bafana reach the World Cup round of 32 for the first time in the nation's history.
Adams started two of South Africa's three group-stage matches. He also came off the bench in a 1-0 victory over South Korea on June 24.
That win sealed South Africa's spot in the knockout rounds. He was an unused substitute when Canada eliminated South Africa from the tournament on June 28.
The South African Football Players Union and the Ministry of Sport, Arts & Culture jointly announced his death on Saturday.
Officials have not confirmed a cause of death. SAFPU released a statement expressing its grief.
The union called Adams' passing an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, and the football community.
It extended condolences to the Adams family, Mamelodi Sundowns, Stellenbosch FC, and Bafana Bafana.
The statement described Adams as a gifted player and a proud servant of the game.
During the group stage, Adams started South Africa's 2-0 loss to Mexico. He also played in the team's 1-1 draw with Czechia.
That match came just one day after the death of his grandmother, Marianna Adams.
South Africa's Minister of Sports, Arts & Culture, Gayton McKenzie, shared his own tribute.
He recalled reaching out to Adams to offer condolences and encouragement following his grandmother's death.
McKenzie said Adams' decision to continue playing for his country reflected deep character and professionalism.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino also paid tribute to Adams. He posted a statement on Instagram calling the news incredibly sad.
Infantino extended condolences on behalf of FIFA and the global football community to Adams' family, friends, and teammates.
Adams' appearance in the win over South Korea turned out to be his final match. In May, he had won the CAF Champions League title with Mamelodi Sundowns.
He dedicated that winners' medal to Oshwin Andries, a former Stellenbosch FC teammate who died in a stabbing in 2023.
Adams and Andries came through Stellenbosch's youth ranks together. The club lost another young player earlier in 2026 when Jeandre Gaffoor died.
By that time, Adams had already moved on and established himself at Mamelodi Sundowns, the club he joined from Stellenbosch in January 2025.
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