World Cup hero found dead: Police open investigation as South Africa mourns 'immeasurable loss'

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Tom Weber | Writer

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams has passed away aged just 25, South Africa's minister of sport, arts and culture Gayton McKenzie has announced.

Adams featured in all three of South Africa's group stage games during their historic World Cup run earlier this summer. Despite losing to Mexico in the opening game of the tournament, Bafana Bafana advanced beyond the group stage for the first time in their history.

After starting against Mexico, Adams kept his place in the team for the 1-1 draw with Czechia, despite being informed of the passing of his grandmother just hours before kick-off.

He then came off the bench in Bafana Bafana's crucial game against South Korea and helped his team see out the decisive 1-0 win that set up a round of 32 clash with Canada, which South Africa would ultimately lose 1-0.

Earlier this year, Adams had won the African Champions League with Mamelodi Sundowns, starting the final eight games of the competition. He won the South African Premiership with Sundowns last year and the domestic cup with Stellenbosch FC the year prior.

Adams dies aged 25

Tragically, Adams' promising career has now been cut short. The 25-year-old has been found dead in a house in the Schotschekloof suburb of Cape Town, South Africa. A police investigation is ongoing to ascertain the cause of his passing.

"It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams," South Africa's minister of sport, arts and culture Gayton McKenzie announced in a statement.

"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.

"The cause of Jayden's passing has not yet been confirmed, and 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.

"Any official information will be communicated by the appropriate parties in due course."

The South African Football Players Union announced that it was "devastated by the untimely passing" of Adams and added: "Jayden had only recently represented South Africa at the 2026 World Cup, carrying the hopes of the nation with pride, courage and distinction.

"His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, team-mates, clubs, the football fraternity and the country at large. South African football has lost a gifted player, a proud servant of the game and a young life that still had so much to offer."

Mamelodi Sundowns have yet to comment.