Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams, who recently made his World Cup debut for South Africa, died at the age of 25 on Saturday July 11, 2026.
Adams played in all three of his team’s group stage matches and was an unused substitute when South Africa were eliminated by Canada in the round of 16.
Unofficial reports linked the death to a depression-related suicide. Neither Mamelodi Sundowns nor the Adams family have released an official statement, although his death was confirmed by those close to him.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Adams’ mentor Brendine Johnson described the grief as overwhelming, saying: “This death has torn everyone apart. »
Johnson said he spoke with Adams just two days before his death, adding that Adams seemed hopeful and excited about the upcoming season, including South Africa’s Africa Cup of Nations title defense.
The family has asked for privacy while they come to terms with this loss. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
Tributes have poured in from fans and football figures from across South Africa. “Rest in peace, Jayden,” one fan wrote online. “So much talent and life to come.”
