Overview
- South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams died at age 25, with his passing confirmed on Saturday by the minister of sport and his club.
- Western Cape police said they opened an investigation after a body was found in Schotschekloof, and some media accounts that named a hotel location remain unverified.
- Adams played in all three of South Africa’s group matches at the 2026 World Cup, starting the first two games and appearing as a substitute in the third.
- The South African Football Players Union, Mamelodi Sundowns, FIFA and senior officials issued public tributes and urged the public to respect the family’s privacy.
- Adams rose from the Stellenbosch academy to join Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025 and earned nine senior caps, and officials say any official cause of death will be released after the police inquiry concludes.