SA football rocked by death of Bafana star Jayden Adams, 25

South African football has been rocked by the news of the death of Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns star Jayden Adams at 25.

Cape Town Central police have opened an inquest after the body of a 25-year-old man was discovered at a property in Military Road, Schotschekloof, on Saturday morning.

Speculation was rife yesterday that the midfielder had taken his life. However, the cause of death has not been confirmed.

Western Cape police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said officers responded to the scene at about 11.06am and discovered the body.

“An inquest has been registered for investigation following the discovery of the body of a 25-year-old male at premises in Military Road, Schotschekloof. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation,” Van Wyk said.

Sports minister Gayton McKenzie said: “The cause of Jayden’s death 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.”

He extended his department’s deepest condolences to Adams’ family and young daughter, his teammates, fellow Bafana players and the entire football fraternity.

Adams featured for Bafana at the 2026 Fifa World Cup in North America last month.

Fifa president Gianni Infantino offered his condolences via Instagram, saying his “thoughts and condolences, as well as those of everyone at Fifa and the global football community, are with his family, friends and teammates.”

Details of the circumstances of his death are still emerging.

The skilful central midfielder joined Sundowns from Stellenbosch FC in January 2025.

Mamelodi Sundowns said yesterday it was devastated by Adams’ tragic death.

“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 in a statement.

“We pray that the almighty God comforts and strengthens the Adams family, his friends and everyone that knew him. Sundowns respectfully ask that the family’s privacy be honoured as they grieve this profound loss.”

President Cyril Ramaphosa also paid tribute to Adams, as well as former South African Rugby under-18 prop Luqobo Makwedini, 20, who collapsed and later died following a training session with is team his club, AS Béziers Hérault in France on Friday.

“It is particularly tragic that we are suffering the loss of two outstanding, young athletes at a time when our nation continues to immerse itself in the Fifa World Cup tournament, as well as the Springboks’ and Springbok Women’s matches against Scotland and the USA Eagles in Pretoria today.

“We are grateful for the joy and victories Jayden and Luqobo have given us and their teams as they lived their dreams and held South Africa’s name high on the scoreboards of global sport. May their souls rest in peace.”

Stellenbosch FC said in a statement: “It is with profound sadness that Stellenbosch Football Club has learned of the untimely passing of our former player Jayden Adams.

“The club wishes to extend its deepest condolences to Jayden’s family and loved ones, as well as everyone at Mamelodi Sundowns, and calls for their privacy to be respected during this unimaginably difficult time.

“A prodigious footballer, he made his professional debut for Stellenbosch FC at the age of 19 and went on to make 139 senior appearances, helping the Maroons lift the Carling Knockout trophy in 2023.

“After joining Sundowns in 2025, Jayden continued to showcase his immense talent and he recently represented South Africa at the highest level at the World Cup in North America.

“A proud flagbearer for the Cape winelands, Jayden leaves behind a lasting legacy in Stellenbosch and an enduring impact on South African football. He will be deeply missed, and never forgotten.”

The South African Football Player’s Union (Safpu) sent their condolences.

“South African football has lost a gifted player, a proud servant of the game and a young life that still had so much to offer,” the union said.

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