The football world is mourning one of its players.
Two weeks after Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams played for South Africa’s national men’s football team, affectionately known as Bafana Bafana, at the 2026 World Cup, he has died, the country’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has confirmed. He was 25 years old.
“It is with deep shock and heavy hearts that I learned of the passing of Jaden Adams,” McKenzie said in a statement on July 11. “South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents and our country mourns along with his family, team-mates and the millions of supporters who watched him develop from an academy prospect to a full-fledged Bafana Bafana international.”
As authorities investigate the cause of Adams’ death, McKenzie encouraged soccer fans not to promote theories about his tragic death.
“Jaden’s cause of death is yet to be confirmed and we would like to appeal to members of the media and the public to exercise restraint, compassion and refrain from speculation, while his family and Mamelodi Sundowns are given the space and privacy they need at this incredibly difficult time,” he added.
