Adams’ body was found on a property in the Schotsche Kloof neighborhood of Cape Town.
On Saturday, South Africa’s Minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie confirmed the death of midfielder Jayden Adams, just days after he played for his national team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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McKenzie emphasized that the cause of death of the Mamelodi Sundowns and South African national team player has not yet been confirmed, and urged the press and public to act with discretion and compassion.
Adams’ body was found on a property in the Schotsche Kloof neighborhood of Cape Town, and police have launched an investigation into the circumstances of his death.
The minister noted that South African football “has lost one of its brightest young talents,” recalling his journey from the youth academy to becoming a full international with the Bafana Bafana national team.
Parliament mourns the passing of @BafanaBafana and @Masandawana midfielder, Jayden Adams. pic.twitter.com/5vPwvcsPvK
— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) July 12, 2026
Adams’ death came shortly after the passing of his grandmother on June 17, the day before the match against the Czech Republic in Atlanta, where he started despite his “personal grief.”
He also played a key role in South Africa’s historic 1-0 victory against South Korea, which secured the country’s first-ever qualification for the Round of 16 of a World Cup.
Born in Cape Town, Adams came through the Stellenbosch FC academy, becoming the first academy graduate to sign a professional contract in 2020. In January 2025, he signed a three-and-a-half-year contract with Mamelodi Sundowns.
FULL-TIME | Czechia 1-1 South Africa
A hard-fought Group A battle ended all square in Atlanta.
Michal Sadílek gave Czechia an early lead, but Teboho Mokoena’s late penalty rescued a crucial point for South Africa.
Both sides remain alive in the race for the knockout… pic.twitter.com/3qbv54beIX
— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) June 18, 2026
teleSUR: JP
Source: EFE
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