South Africa mourns death of World Cup midfielder Jayden Adams at 25

South African football has been plunged into mourning following the death of Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams at the age of 25.

Adams, who recently represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, passed away on Saturday. The cause of his death has not been disclosed.

The talented midfielder featured in all three of South Africa’s group-stage matches at the tournament.

He started the opening game against Mexico before retaining his place in the draw against Czechia.

Although he was named on the bench during Bafana Bafana’s memorable victory over South Korea, he did not feature in the Round of 32 defeat to Canada.

South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams is dead

Adams began his football journey in the youth ranks of Stellenbosch FC, becoming the club’s first academy graduate to sign a professional contract.

He went on to make 139 appearances for the club and played a key role in Stellenbosch’s triumph in the 2023 Carling Knockout Cup.

His impressive performances earned him a move to Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025, where he continued to establish himself as one of South Africa’s brightest midfield talents.

At just 25 years old, Jayden Adams leaves behind a remarkable legacy, having risen from academy football to represent his country on the world’s biggest stage and inspire a new generation of South African footballers.

PAH/MA

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