South African soccer star Jayden Adams has died. He was 25.
“The South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) is devastated by the untimely passing of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder, Jayden Adams,” the union announced via it’s official X account on Saturday, July 11. “His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, the football fraternity and the country at large.”
The statement continued, “Death has cruelly stolen one of our own. It has robbed our nation of a remarkable footballer, but it will never take away the legacy Jayden Adams leaves behind. We will forever remember his humility, his extraordinary talent and the pride with which he represented South Africa.”
Adams appeared in South Africa’s 2-0 World Cup loss to Mexico and it’s 1-1 draw with the Czech Republic. He was a substitute player in the national team’s 1-0 win over South Korea, but he did not appear in the team’s loss to Canada, which knocked South Africa out of 2026 World Cup competition.
“It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the pasing of Jayden Adams,” Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s minister of sports, arts and culture, said in a statement shared via social media after the soccer star’s shocking death. “South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents, and our nation mourns alongside his family, his team-mates and the millions of supporters who watched him grow from a promising academy prospect into a full Bafana Bafana international.”
McKenzie continued, recalling a moment during South Africa’s World Cup game against the Czech Republic, “I recall noting how unusually quiet Jayden seemed on the bench in the second half, after he had been substituted — it was only afterwards that we learnt he had taken to the field that day carrying the fresh grief of losing his grandmother, Marianna, who had assed away only hours before kick-off. When I reached out to Jayden to offer my condolences and encouragement, I shall carry forever the humble, appreciate response he gave me. That he chose tow ear the national jersey and give his all for his country in that moment speaks to the depth of character and professionalism well beyond his years, and it reflects the calibre of young man South Africa has lost.”
According to McKenzie, no official cause of death has “been confirmed” at the time of publication. The minister closed out his statement by appealing to the better angels of both the media and the public regarding the nature of the young player’s death.
“I wish to appeal to members of the media and the public to exercise restraint and compassion, and to refrain from speculation, while his family and Mamelodi Sundowns are given the space and privacy they need at this incredibly difficult time,” he said. “Any official information will be communicated by the appropriate parties in due course.”
Adams is survived by his longtime partner, Aqueelah Adendorf, and their 5-year-old daughter.
