“It is with deep shock and a heavy heart that I learned of the death of Jayden Adams,” responded the South African Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, in a press release relayed by the BBC.
“South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents, and our entire nation mourns alongside his family, his teammates and the millions of supporters who watched him grow from a great youth prospect to a Bafana Bafana international.” Gayton McKenzie called on the media and public to “exercise restraint and compassion” and “refrain from speculation” in order to respect the player’s family and his club.
Police said they found the body of a 25-year-old man in a house in Schotschekloof, an area in central Cape Town, on Saturday morning. “Jayden’s cause of death has not yet been confirmed,” the minister said.
The information, revealed by eNCA, Sunday World and several South African media, was also confirmed to “Soccer Laduma” by Brendine Johnson, presented as the midfielder’s mentor. According to him, Jayden Adams returned from the World Cup full of enthusiasm and projects. He was particularly delighted to continue his adventure with the Mamelodi Sundowns, who had just been crowned African champions.
Neither the club nor the South African Football Association (SAFA) had released an official statement at the time of writing.
Trained at Stellenbosch FC, Jayden Adams joined Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025. International since 2023, he had nine caps with Bafana Bafana. During the 2026 World Cup, he played three matches, including two as a starter.
