South Africa footballer Jayden Adams dies aged 25 just days after representing country at World Cup

South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, just days after playing in the 2026 World Cup, with tributes pouring in for the young Sundowns star

Tributes have flooded in following the death of South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams at the age of 25, just days after competing in the FIFA World Cup.

The tragic news was confirmed by African channel eNCA on Saturday afternoon.

The midfielder was on the books of South African top-flight club Sundowns. He appeared in all three of the nation's World Cup group stage matches, but remained on the bench for the 1-0 defeat to Canada in the Round of 32 knockout clash, reports the Mirror.

It was revealed that Adams played against the Czech Republic just a day after his grandmother passed away.

In a statement at the time the SAFA said: "The South African Football Association (SAFA) is saddened to hear about the passing of Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams' grandmother, Marianna.

"The 72-year-old Marianna Adams passed away a day before the South African senior men's national team faced Czechia in a 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A match played at Atlanta Stadium on Thursday 18 June 2026. She passed away in a hospital in Stellenbosch and will be laid to rest on Saturday, 27 June 2026 (South Africa time).

Adams made nine senior appearances for South Africa and rose through Stellenbosch before signing for Mamelodi Sundowns last year. A product of the Stellenbosch academy, Adams signed his first professional contract in 2020 before establishing himself as a key figure in the first team.

He made 139 appearances for the Cape Winelands club - the second‑most in their history before securing a move to Mamelodi Sundowns.

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