South Africa international midfielder Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, the country’s Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie confirmed on Saturday.
“It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams,” McKenzie said in a statement, describing him as one of South African football’s brightest young talents.
Authorities have not disclosed the cause of death. Police said an investigation has been launched after the body of a 25-year-old man was found at a house in Schotschekloof, a suburb in central Cape Town, on Saturday morning.
Adams represented South Africa at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, playing in all three group-stage matches before missing the team’s Round of 16 defeat to Canada.
Born in Cape Town, Adams began his professional career with Stellenbosch FC before joining CAF Champions League winners Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025.
His death comes less than a month after the passing of his grandmother, who died on the eve of South Africa’s World Cup group-stage match against Czechia. Despite the personal loss, Adams started the match and represented his country.
Police said investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death are ongoing. (Newswire)