South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder has died after representing his country in the last 32 of the World Cup.
Published July 11, 2026
Jaden Adams died last month at the age of 25 after playing three games for South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the country’s soccer players’ union announced on Saturday.
An official cause of death has not been announced.
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“The South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) is devastated by the untimely passing of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams.
“Jaden most recently represented South Africa at the FIFA World Cup, carrying the hopes of his country with pride, courage and achievement. His death is an immense loss to his family, his team-mates, the club, the football fraternity and the country as a whole.
“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 talented player, a proud servant of the game and a young life who still had so much to give. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
Adams started two of South Africa’s three World Cup matches, despite the death of his grandmother Marianna the day before the 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic. He started in that match, where South Africa lost 2-0 to Mexico. He came on as a substitute in the 1-0 win against South Korea.
He did not play in South Africa’s loss to Canada on June 28.
South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, said he contacted Mr Adams to express his condolences when his grandmother passed away.
“I will forever hold on to the humility and gratitude he gave me. For him to choose to wear the national jersey and give his all for his country in that moment speaks to a depth of character and professionalism far beyond his years, and it reflects the quality of the young man South Africa has lost,” McKenzie’s statement said.
Before the World Cup, he helped Mamelodi Sundowns win the CAF Champions League. He played for Stellenbosch FC before joining Sundowns. Adams dedicated the medal he won with Sundowns to his late Stellenbosch teammate Oshwin Andries, who died after being stabbed in 2023.
