Mamelodi Sundowns and South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams has died aged 25, weeks after making three appearances at the 2026 World Cup.
South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, the South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) confirmed on Saturday.
In its statement, SAFPU said Adams’s death is an “immeasurable loss” to his family, teammates, clubs, and South African football.
Jayden Adams had just returned from the 2026 World Cup after helping South Africa reach the knockout stage for the first time.
He made three appearances during the group stage, starting the 2-0 defeat by Mexico and the 1-1 draw with Czechia. He later came on as a substitute in the 1-0 win over South Korea, which secured qualification.
The midfielder has previously started both legs of Sundowns’ CAF Champions League semi-final against Al Ahly. The teams drew 0-0 in Pretoria and 1-1 in Cairo, sending Sundowns through on away goals.
Adams then appeared in both legs of the final against Pyramids. He came on during the first leg, which ended 1-1, and started the return match in Cairo, where Pyramids won 2-1 to claim the title 3-2 on aggregate.
Jayden Adams earned nine senior caps for South Africa and scored twice after making his international debut in 2022.