'Bafana Bafana' and Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams dies at 25

South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams has died aged 25, just weeks after helping Bafana Bafana reach the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to the BBC, the South African Football Players Union confirmed Adams' death on Saturday.

Police said an investigation had been launched after the body of a 25-year-old man was found at a house in Schotschekloof, a suburb in central Cape Town.

Authorities said the cause of death has not yet been established.

"South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents, and our nation mourns alongside his family, teammates and the millions of supporters who watched him grow from a promising academy prospect into a full Bafana Bafana international," South Africa's Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, said in a statement.

McKenzie also urged the public to avoid speculation as investigations continue, asking for privay and space for the family.

Adams was an unused substitute in South Africa's round of 32 defeat to co-hosts Canada.

The midfielder had played against the Czech Republic despite learning only hours before kick-off that his grandmother had died.

The South African Football Players Union described his death as a huge loss to the country and the sport.

"Jayden had only recently represented South Africa at the FIFA World Cup, carrying the hopes of the nation with pride, courage and distinction," the union said.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino also paid tribute.

"My thoughts and condolences, as well as those of everyone at FIFA and the global football community, are with his family, friends and teammates. The Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns star will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace."

Adams began his senior career at Stellenbosch before joining Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025.

During his time with the Pretoria club, he won the South African league title and the CAF Champions League. He was also helped South Africa reach the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Adams featured in all three of South Africa's group stage matches. He started against Mexico and the Czech Republic before coming off the bench in the 1-0 win over South Korea that secured Bafana Bafana's first-ever place in the tournament's knockout rounds.