Football has been rocked by the sudden death of South Africa star Jayden Adams, just weeks after the 25-year-old midfielder played twice at the World Cup.

Adams, who played in South Africa’s first two matches of the tournament against Mexico and Czechia, reposted a picture of himself and his girlfriend on Instagram less than 24 hours before news of his death was reported.

Tributes have flooded in across social media for the Mamelodi Sundowns player, whose death has sent shockwaves throughout world football. 

Adams is believed to have been found dead in a hotel in Cape Town, although details about the nature of his death have yet to be confirmed. 

The midfielder had shown great character and professionalism during the World Cup, despite enduring a period of profound personal loss. 

In the lead up to the tournament, he was mourning the death of his grandmother, Marianna Adams. She died just two weeks before the World Cup kicked off, and was buried on June 27 while Adams remained on international duty in the US.

He was also still grieving the loss of one of his closest friends, South African youth footballer Oshwin Andries, who was killed three years ago. 

Andries was stabbed in February 2023 and died in hospital in Stellenbosch – his family alleged he did not receive adequate medical treatment after he was discharged then later readmitted to the emergency unit. 

South Africa’s Jayden Adams has sadly passed away aged 25 after playing at the World Cup

Adams reposted a picture of himself and his partner less than 24 hours before news of his death broke

Adams’ girlfriend Aqueelah Adendorf sent him a heartfelt message prior to his first World Cup match

Announcing Adams’ death, the South African Football Players Union wrote in a statement: ‘The SAFPU is devastated by the untimely passing of Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder, Jayden Adams. 

‘Jayden had only recently represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA 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 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.

‘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.

‘May his soul rest in eternal peace.’

The union also posted on social media platform X: ‘Death has cruelly stolen one of our own. It has robbed our nation of a remarkable footballer, but it will never take away the legacy Jayden Adams leaves behind. We will forever remember his humility, his extraordinary talent and the pride with which he represented South Africa. 

‘Rest in eternal peace, Jayden. You will never be forgotten.’

Meanwhile, South Africa’s Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie sent a touching tribute to Adams on social media, sharing footage of him hugging the World Cup star in North America.

‘Rest in perfect peace my boy’, he wrote with a string of tearful emojis. 

South African Football Players Union posted on social media platform X: ‘Rest in eternal peace, Jayden. You will never be forgotten’

Adams, who played an hour of South Africa’s 2-0 defeat by Mexico and the opening 45 minutes of their 1-1 draw against Czechia just over a fortnight ago, began his career at Stellenbosch before moving to Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025.

The World Cup star had enjoyed a rapid rise in South African football before playing at the tournament, earning recognition for his energy, creativity and composure in midfield. 

His performances for Mamelodi Sundowns helped establish him as a regular in the Bafana Bafana setup, and he was widely expected to play a major role in the team’s next generation. 

Adams’ girlfriend Aqueelah Adendorf sent the Bafana Bafana star a heartfelt message ahead of his first World Cup match against Mexico last month.

Adendorf, who shares a five-year-old daughter with Adams, wrote on her Instagram story ahead of the tournament: ‘Watching you achieve something this big has filled my heart with so much pride. 

‘From the hard work, sacrifices, early mornings, disappointments, and moments nobody saw – you kept going, stayed disciplined, and trusted God through it all. And now look at you… representing your country on the national team.

‘I don’t think you even realise how inspiring you are. You deserve every single moment of this because I’ve seen how much you’ve worked for it. Through every challenge, you never gave up on your dream, and that alone makes me so proud to stand beside you and support you through it all. 

Tributes have flooded in across social media for the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, player number 23 at the World Cup

‘No matter how far this journey takes you, just know I’ll always be your biggest supporter, loudest cheerleader, and safest place.

‘This is only the beginning for you, my love. May God continue to guide your steps, protect you, and open even bigger doors for your future. Keep shining, keep believing, and keep making us proud. 

‘Your hard work is finally paying off and I know there’s still so much more greatness waiting for you.’