CAPE TOWN — South African footballer Jayden Adams died at age 25 in Cape Town on Saturday, July 11, 2026, prompting national mourning and an official police inquest. The South African Football Players Union announced his death the same day, confirming the loss of a key national team midfielder who had recently competed in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Cape Town Central police registered an inquest following the discovery of the body of a 25-year-old male at 11:06 a.m. on July 11, 2026, at a premises on Military Road in Schotschekloof. The cause of Jayden Adams' death has not been confirmed, and authorities have not released further details about the circumstances.

Adams was a midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns, having joined the club in January 2025 after previously playing for Stellenbosch FC. He helped Mamelodi Sundowns win the African Champions League title in the 2025–26 season, cementing his status as one of South Africa’s top players.

On the international stage, Adams appeared in three matches for South Africa during the 2026 World Cup, starting in games against Mexico and Czechia and coming off the bench in the match against South Korea. Notably, he played in the Czechia match despite the death of his grandmother, Marianna Adams, the previous day. South Africa advanced to the Round of 32 in the tournament.

South Africa’s minister of sport, arts and culture, Gayton McKenzie, released a statement urging restraint and compassion. “Our nation mourns alongside his family, his teammates 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,” McKenzie said.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino also expressed condolences, saying, “My thoughts and condolences, as well as those of everyone at FIFA and the global football community, are with his family, friends and teammates. The Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns star will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace.” The South African Football Players Union added in its statement, “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. Rest in eternal peace, Jayden. You will never be forgotten.”