South Africa international Jayden Adams has died at the age of 25, the South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) has said.SAFPU – which is recognised by FIFPRO, the global union for professional soccer players — said it was “devastated by the untimely passing” of the midfielder, who appeared in three of his nation’s matches at this summer’s World Cup. Sources confirmed the news to The Athletic.“Jayden had only recently represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, carrying the hopes of the nation with pride, courage and distinction,” SAFPU said in a statement on Saturday. “His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, teammates, clubs, the football fraternity and the country at large.”SAFPU said it extended its “deepest condolences to the Adams family” as well as the South Africa national team, his current and former clubs, Mamelodi Sundowns and Stellenbosch, along with “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,” it continued. “May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
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.… pic.twitter.com/zl6uNXrbaV
