CAPE TOWN – South African football has been plunged into mourning following the passing of Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams at the age of 25.
Adams’ untimely death comes just after representing South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, where Bafana Bafana reached the Round of 32 before bowing out to hosts Canada following a narrow 1-0 defeat.
The gifted midfielder’s passing also follows a deeply emotional period in his life after losing his beloved grandmother, Marianna Adams, shortly before South Africa’s Group A encounter against Czechia.
The 72-year-old passed away in a Stellenbosch hospital and was laid to rest on 27 June 2026.
SAFA mourns the passing of Bafana midfielder Jayden Adam’s grandmother.https://t.co/zcUbxNM4va
— SAFA.net (@SAFA_net) June 27, 2026
Despite the heartbreaking loss, Adams showed remarkable courage and professionalism by taking to the field against Czechia where Bafana Bafana earned their first point of the tournament in a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Atlanta Stadium.
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie Full Statement
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 teammates and the millions of supporters who watched him grow from a promising academy prospect into a full Bafana Bafana international.
Jayden’s football journey began at Stellenbosch FC, where he came through the club’s academy to become its first graduate to sign a professional contract, in August 2020. He went on to make 139 appearances for the Cape Winelands club, helping them lift the 2023 Carling Knockout, before completing his move to Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025. In Pretoria he continued to flourish, adding a Betway Premiership title and a CAF Champions League crown to his honours within two years.
On the international stage, Jayden was part of the Bafana Bafana squad that claimed bronze at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, and he earned his place in Hugo Broos’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring in all three of South Africa’s group matches as the team made history by reaching the Round of 32 for the first time.
I will always remember watching Bafana’s match against Czechia in Atlanta. I recall noting how unusually quiet Jayden seemed on the bench in the second half, after he had been substituted – it was only afterwards that we learnt he had taken to the field that day carrying the fresh grief of losing his grandmother, Marianna, who had passed away only hours before kick-off.
When I reached out to Jayden to offer my condolences and encouragement, I shall carry forever the humble, appreciative response he gave me. That he chose to wear the national jersey and give his all for his country in that moment speaks to a depth of character and professionalism well beyond his years, and it reflects the calibre of young man South Africa has lost.
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, and to refrain from speculation, while his family and Mamelodi Sundowns are given the space and privacy they need at this incredibly difficult time. Any official information will be communicated by the appropriate parties in due course. On behalf of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, I extend my deepest condolences to Jayden’s family, his young daughter, his teammates at Mamelodi Sundowns, his fellow Bafana Bafana players and coaching staff, the South African Football Association, and the entire football fraternity.
