Football has been left stunned by reports of the sudden death of South Africa international Jayden Adams, just weeks after the 25-year-old midfielder featured twice at the World Cup.
Adams, who was named in South Africa’s starting XI for their opening two tournament matches against Mexico and Czechia, had reposted an Instagram photo of himself with his girlfriend less than 24 hours before news of his death emerged.
Messages of condolence have poured in across social media for the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, with the news prompting widespread shock throughout the football community.
Adams is understood to have been found dead at a hotel in Cape Town, though the circumstances surrounding his death have not yet been officially confirmed.
His passing comes shortly after another personal tragedy, with Adams having lost his grandmother, Marianna Adams, two weeks earlier while he was away in North America on World Cup duty.
In a statement, the South African Football Players Union said: ‘SAFPU is devastated by the untimely passing of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams.’
South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams has reportedly died at the age of 25 after featuring at the World Cup
Adams reposted an image with his partner less than a day before news of his death was reported
Adams’ girlfriend Aqueelah Adendorf sent him a heartfelt message prior to his first World Cup
‘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 country at large.
‘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.’
The union also posted on social media platform X: ‘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.’
Meanwhile, South Africa’s Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie sent a touching tribute to Adams on social media, sharing footage of him hugging the World Cup star in North America.
‘Rest in perfect peace my boy,’ he wrote with a string of tearful emojis.
He starred for South Africa in their first two World Cup matches against Mexico and Czechia
Adams, who played an hour of South Africa’s 2-0 defeat by Mexico and the opening 45 minutes of their 1-1 draw against Czechia just over a fortnight ago, began his career at Stellenbosch before moving to Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025.
The World Cup star had enjoyed a rapid rise in South African football before starring at the tournament, earning recognition for his energy, creativity, and composure in midfield.
His performances for Mamelodi Sundowns helped establish him as a regular in the Bafana Bafana setup, and he was widely expected to play a major role in the team’s next generation.
Adams’ girlfriend Aqueelah Adendorf sent the Bafana Bafana star a heartfelt message ahead of his first World Cup match against Mexico last month.
Adendorf, who shares a young daughter with Adams, wrote on her Instagram story ahead of the tournament: ‘Watching you achieve something this big has filled my heart with so much pride.
‘From the hard work, sacrifices, early mornings, disappointments, and moments nobody saw — you kept going, stayed disciplined, and trusted God through it all. And now look at you… representing your country on the national team.
‘I don’t think you even realise how inspiring you are. You deserve every single moment of this because I’ve seen how much you’ve worked for it. Through every challenge, you never gave up on your dream, and that alone makes me so proud to stand beside you and support you through it all.
‘No matter how far this journey takes you, just know I’ll always be your biggest supporter, loudest cheerleader, and safest place.
Tributes have flooded in across social media for the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder
‘This is only the beginning for you, my love. May God continue to guide your steps, protect you, and open even bigger doors for your future. Keep shining, keep believing, and keep making us proud.
‘Your hard work is finally paying off and I know there’s still so much more greatness waiting for you.’
More to follow.
