See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy BEN WILLCOCKS, ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR Published: 14:02 BST, 11 July 2026 | Updated: 14:18 BST, 11 July 2026
South Africa star Jayden Adams has sadly passed away aged 25 just weeks after playing at the World Cup, according to reports.Adams, who started 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 midfielder, whose death has sent shockwaves around 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 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. South Africa's Jayden Adams has sadly passed away aged 25 after starring at the World Cup Adams reposted a picture of himself and his partner less than 24 hours before the news broke'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.'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.Adams' girlfriend Aqueelah Adendorf sent the Bafana Bafana star a heartfelt message ahead of his first World Cup match against Mexico last month.She wrote on her Instagram story: '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. '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.'More to follow.
