By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder, Jayden Adams, has died at the age of 25. Fullview has learnt he took his own life at his home in Stellenbosch on Saturday morning.
Sundowns is yet to issue an official statement.
The minister of sport, Gayton McKenzie, released a statement saying: “It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams, midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana, at the age of 25.”
“South African football has lost one of its brightest young talents, and our nation mourns alongside his family, his team-mates and the millions of supporters who watched him grow from a promising academy prospect into a full Bafana Bafana international.”
SA Police Services (SAPS) said they had opened an investigation after the body of a 25-year-old man was found at a house in Schotschekloof, a suburb in central Cape Town, on Saturday morning.
His untimely passing comes just weeks after representing Bafana Bafana at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where South Africa reached the Round of 32 before suffering a 1-0 defeat to Canada.
Adams featured in all three of Bafana Bafana’s group stage matches at the tournament but was an unused substitute in the knockout clash against Canada.
Adams, along with seven other Sundowns players who represented South Africa at the World Cup, had been granted an additional two weeks’ leave before returning for pre-season.
The South African Football Players Union said it was “devastated by the untimely passing” of Adams who made his debut for his country in 2022.
“Jayden had only recently represented South Africa at the 2026 World Cup, carrying the hopes of the nation with pride, courage and distinction.
“His passing is an immeasurable loss to his family, team-mates, 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 started his career at Stellenbosch FC, before moving to Sundowns in January 2025, where he won league and African Champions League titles.
Meanwhile former South Africa Under-18 prop Luqobo Makwedini collapsed and died after a training session with French club AS Béziers Hérault.
President Cyril Ramaphosa conveyed his condolences to the families of the deceased players.
“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,” the President said.