FIFA, SAFA lead tributes as South Africa’s Jayden Adams dies at 25
By Aboki Forex —
South Africa and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, just weeks after representing Bafana Bafana at the FIFA 2026 World Cup. FIFA, the South African Football Association (SAFA), government officials, and the wider football community have led tributes to one of the country’s brightest young talents.
Adams, who featured in all three of South Africa’s group-stage matches at the World Cup, died on Saturday. South Africa’s campaign ended in the Round of 32 after a defeat to co-hosts Canada.
Government and FIFA leaders mourn
South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie, described Adams’ death as a devastating loss for the nation. “It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams, midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, at the age of 25,” McKenzie said. “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.”
FIFA president Gianni Infantino also expressed his condolences. “It is so incredibly sad to hear that South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams has passed away just weeks after featuring in his nation’s historic FIFA World Cup campaign,” Infantino said. “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.”
SAFA, Sundowns, and players union pay tribute
The South African Football Association (SAFA) joined the tributes, mourning the loss of a player widely regarded as one of the country’s finest emerging midfielders and extending condolences to his family, teammates and supporters. His club, Mamelodi Sundowns, confirmed the tragic news in a heartfelt statement. “The chairman and the Motsepe family, the board of directors, technical team, players, management, staff, supporters of Mamelodi Sundowns FC and the entire Yellow Nation express their deepest condolences to the family and friends as we mourn the loss of Jayden,” the club said. “We pray that the Almighty God comforts and strengthens the Adams family, his friends and everyone who knew him.”
The South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) described Adams’ passing as an immeasurable loss. “The SAFPU is devastated by the untimely passing of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams,” the union said. “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, teammates, clubs, the football fraternity and the country at large. We extend our deepest condolences to the Adams family, Mamelodi Sundowns, Stellenbosch FC, Bafana Bafana and all those whose lives he touched.”