South Africa international and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, just weeks after representing the country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The death of the midfielder was confirmed on Saturday by South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, who described Adams as one of the nation’s brightest football talents.

“It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams,” McKenzie said in a statement.

“South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents, and our nation mourns alongside his family, his teammates and the millions of supporters who watched him grow from a promising academy prospect into a full Bafana Bafana international.”

Police said an investigation had been launched after the body of a 25-year-old man was discovered at a residence in Schotschekloof, a suburb of central Cape Town, on Saturday morning. Authorities have yet to confirm the cause of death.

McKenzie urged the public and the media to refrain from speculation while investigations continue.

“The cause of Jayden’s passing has not yet been confirmed, and I wish to appeal to members of the media and the public to exercise restraint and compassion while his family and Mamelodi Sundowns are given the space and privacy they need at this incredibly difficult time,” he said.

Adams recently featured prominently for Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, playing in all three group-stage matches as South Africa reached the knockout stage of the tournament for the first time before bowing out to co-hosts Canada in the Round of 32.

In one of the tournament’s most emotional moments, Adams started South Africa’s opening 1-1 draw against the Czech Republic despite learning only hours before kickoff that his grandmother had passed away.

The South African Football Players Union described his death as a devastating loss to the country’s football community.

“Jayden had only recently represented South Africa at the 2026 World Cup, carrying the hopes of the nation with pride, courage and distinction,” the union said.

“His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, the football fraternity and the country at large. 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.”

Adams made his senior international debut for South Africa in 2022 and quickly established himself as one of the country’s most promising midfielders.

He began his professional career with Stellenbosch FC before joining Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025. During his time with the Pretoria-based club, he helped the team win the South African Premiership title and the CAF Champions League.

The midfielder was also part of South Africa’s squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations before playing a key role in the country’s historic World Cup campaign in 2026.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino also paid tribute to Adams, expressing condolences to his family and the South African football community.

“It is 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.”