Just in: South Africa World Cup midfielder Jayden Adams dies at 25

South African midfielder Jayden Adams, who represented his country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has died at the age of 25.

Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie announced Adams’ death on Saturday, describing the footballer as one of South Africa’s brightest young talents.

“It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams,” McKenzie said in a statement.

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“South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents.”

No cause of death was disclosed.

Western Cape police confirmed that an investigation had been launched after the body of a 25-year-old man was discovered at a residence in Schotschekloof, a suburb of central Cape Town, on Saturday morning.

“Circumstances surrounding this incident are under investigation,” police spokesperson FC van Wyk told AFP.

Adams featured in all three of South Africa’s group-stage matches at the ongoing World Cup but did not play in the team’s knockout-stage defeat to Canada.

Born in Cape Town, he 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 on the eve of South Africa’s Group A match against Czechia at Atlanta Stadium.

Despite his personal loss, Adams started the match and played for his country.

“Jayden started in the match against Czechia and gave his all while carrying the burden of losing his grandmother,” the South African Football Association said at the time.

Adams’ death has sent shockwaves through South African football, with confirmed tributes as they emerge in for the midfielder, whose career had shown immense promise at both club and international levels.